Comparing NFL Rushing Quarterbacks, Johnny Manziel, And First Pro Starts

Dec 14, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) carries the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated San Francisco 17-7. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Russell Wilson is the player the ESPN analysts have said Manziel needs to emulate, but it wasn’t too long ago Wilson was starting the 2012 season opener for the Seahawks to unspectacular results.

Although it wasn’t nearly as bad as Manziel’s debut, Wilson completed 18-of-34 passes for 153 yards, a touchdown and an interception. He added just 20 yards the ground on just eight attempts.

That didn’t deter Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, who knew what kind of talent he had in the former Asheville Tourists baseball player.

With 181 yards in his last there games, Wilson is a huge threat to scramble, but it certainly didn’t look that way in his debut.