Last year we had the upstart Niners in the NFC, this year, we have Seattle, who are looking like they have some hopes to be a challenger in their division. We had the Arizona Cardinals, who were beating teams along the way, with a mean streak of relying on defense, but still with zero ground game and hesitant QB play.

Then there are the Seahawks. With 7 wins last year, how much was anticipated from them this season? Well after the draft, and some off season pickups they looked like they were serious in moving in the direction of trying for the division title in a division that is difficult but not unfeasible.

Don’t get me wrong, I truly do enjoy Russell Wilson's playmaking capability. He was ballin’ in college, throwing 11,720 YDs and 109 TDs. He can extend plays with his speedy feet and he’s a fun story. The diminutive QB at barely 5-11, was drafted 75th in the 3rd round and stepped in as the starter this season. And when the O-line breaks down his quick feet can get him moving, no question.

The Hawks have some notable wins this season over some top notch teams, like the Pack (let it go), and the Pats, which regardless are wins, in those games Wilson was tolerable, combining for 423 YDs, but also with an impressive 5 TDs and 0 picks(shush, Green Bay) in those victories. But in his division, it’s been a bit diverse; going 0-3, a QB needs to win those.

But, the Seattle Seahawks picked up Matt Flynn from Green Bay. 6-2, 230 lbs, coming off a season where he put up 6 TDs late in the season vs Detroit in a 45-41 win. Now here is Seattle, on the border of moving up as a top 2 contender undoubtedly, why grab him, then draft Wilson and go with the rookie?

Of course no one is certain of what Flynn can do as a full time starter, (Kevin Kolb?) But the Hawks picked him up for a reason, to be their guy and have him leading the team. I think the Seahawks are set to be a playoff team now. But I don’t think Wilson is ready to be that guy to lead them. Flynn with 4 years experience behind him has watched the game behind Rodgers and has a couple games under his belt. The Seahawks, who throw less than most teams in the NFL, of course behind the workhorse beast Lynch, are not throwing more for a reason. Do they genuinely trust Russell Wilson to fire off 36-40 throws a game?

His receivers are a respectable group of guys, with Sidney Rice, Zach Miller, Golden Tate, and Braylon Edwards to throw to. Then of course Marshawn Lynch, and his backup Robert Turbin is solid. But he needs better deeper accuracy, minimally hitting on 38% on passes of 11+ YDs this season so far. Their defense has been tremendous, led by Chris Clemons, Bruce Irvin, Richard Sherman and rookie Bobby Wagner, helping them be 8th in pass defense, and 5th in rush defense. The pieces are coming together in Seattle.

But, there are no changes designed as Pete Carroll said he'll stay with Wilson. Keeping the plays cautious and slow moving, because as much as he claims, he doesn’t depend on Wilson either. Can’t help but to feel bad for Seattle fans, having pieces of the puzzle, yet being trapped because Carroll won't budge. Matt Flynn came in with the intuition that he'd be a certain starter with his new NFL team, but Pete Carroll denied him that. Was it the nagging elbow thing, or was it established for Carroll earlier, just not sure of how to go about the teams big sign, and telling him he was going to be 2nd string.

Wilson gives the Hawks enthusiasm but I believe that Matt Flynn gives the Seahawks a stronger push to compete in the NFC West.

Written by Mike Anthony of VegasTopDogs.com