When the conversation picks up surrounding Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and what quarterbacks he compares to, the typical names that come up are Minnesota Vikings legend Fran Tarkenton and New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees.
Both Tarkenton and Brees are shorter quarterbacks that found success despite their smaller stature.
However, Seahawks receiver Percy Harvin has a different quarterback in mind that he believes Wilson shares common traits with. After Friday night’s 34-6 preseason victory over the Chicago Bears, Harvin compared Wilson to a quarterback he played with in Minnesota.
Brett Favre.
“I told him he reminds me of Brett [Favre],” Harvin said. “Just keeping the team calm no matter if it’s third-and-1, second down, whether we’re blowing a team out or whether we’re tied in the NFC Championship. He’s always got an even keel and for me, I look for that comfort in a quarterback and I know a lot of guys on the team look for it too.”
“Me and coach [Darrell] Bevell talk all the time because we played with Brett, we talk all the time about their similarities.”
Harvin played two seasons with Favre as his quarterback in Minnesota from 2009-2010. Harvin caught 131 passes for 1,658 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Wilson has exceeded expectations that Harvin had when he was traded from Minnesota prior to last season.
“Oh yeah. That and more,"Harvin said. “His leadership is just off the charts.”
Wilson has been stellar this preseason and appears to have raised him game to another level after leading the Seahawks to the Super Bowl last season. Wilson has completed 77 percent of his passes (30-for-39) for 360 yards and two touchdowns this preseason. With Wilson in the game the last two weeks, Seattle has converted 12 of 14 chances on third down and the first-team offense scored on nine consecutive possessions with seven ending in touchdowns. He’s also rushed for three touchdowns.