We previously detailed many of the records set during the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs this weekend.
Another was set by Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson.
Wilson threw for 385 yards as the Seahawks nearly rallied from a 20-point fourth quarter deficit to shock the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. In doing so, Wilson broke a 75-year old record for passing yards in a postseason game by a rookie. The record was previously held by Washington Redskins quarterback Sammy Baugh.
Wilson completed 24 of 36 passes with two touchdowns and an interception (on a Hail Mary attempt on the last play of the game) to rally the Seahawks from a 27-7 deficit to take a 28-27 lead with 31 seconds to play.
Baugh threw for 335 yards in a 9-3 win over the Chicago Bears on December 12, 1937. Wilson and Baugh are the only two quarterbacks to throw for 300-plus yards in a playoff game as a rookie.It’s another feather in the cap for the Seattle rookie. The Seahawks entered training camp with three quarterbacks vying for the starting job. Wilson beat out incumbent Tarvaris Jackson and free agent signee Matt Flynn for the job and never looked back putting together a remarkable rookie season.Seattle entered the last two offseasons with uncertainty over who would be their starting quarterback next season. With Wilson’s emergence, it’s a question the Seahawks shouldn’t have to be forced to answer again for a long time to come.