Is a QB controversy emerging in Seattle?

When Matt Flynn surprisingly signed a three-year deal with the Seahawks this offseason, everyone pretty much expected the former Packers backup to trot into Week One as the bonafide starter, even after they used a third round pick in April's draft on former NC State and Wisconsin starter Russell Wilson. However, Seattle coach Pete Carroll announced on Tuesday that Wilson would be starting Friday's preseason game against the Chiefs, and his quotes about the situation indicate that Flynn isn't a lock to start in two weeks against the Cardinals.

"This is about competition. This is what we've always been about and if somebody doesn't see it that way then they don't understand us and I can't do anything about that. This is a great competitive opportunity to watch and for me to oversee as a coach and it's exciting and it's been fun to see it through and we're going to finish it up the next couple of weeks."

Is this news really surprising? Flynn was essentially christened as the next great young QB after a six touchdown Week 17 performances aginst the Lions last season. You know, the same Lions team that was 22nd in the league in pass defense and had already clinched a playoff berth.The 27-year old also only started one year in college at LSU, though he did lead the Tigers to a BCS championship in that season.

Wilson had a much more impressive college resume than Flynn, starting for three years at NC State before transferring to Wisconsin and starting his senior year for the Badgers. He led the nation in passing efficiency last year, and led the Big Ten in passing touchdowns. Wilson also showed some mobility during his college career, rushing for 1421 yards and 23 touchdowns over his career. However, he won just won bowl game in his four years, and is undersized at 5'11.

I'm not at all surprised for the Seahawks to at least have a competition for their QB job, but at the same time, I'd be shocked if they wouldn't start Flynn after the contract he was handed this offseason. However, if Wilson looks impressive on Friday, Carroll and the rest of Seattle's coaching staff could have an interesting decision on their plate.

About Joe Lucia

Managing editor of The Outside Corner. Associate editor of Awful Announcing. Content and data specialist for Bloguin. Based out of Harrisburg, PA - the most mediocre place on Earth.

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