Kevin Durant: ‘My time is now’

@courtsense

Pete Carroll is a coach who loves competition among his players. And throughout the 2012 NFL preseason, no team has had more competition among its quarterbacks than the Seattle Seahawks. With last year's starter, Tarvaris Jackson, on the way out to Buffalo, the Seahawks' starting QB this year was either going to be third-round draft pick Russell Wilsonor free-agent signing Matt Flynn.

After the big contract given to Flynn this offseason, most presumed that the competition Carroll was holding was simply to light a fire under Flynn and force him to win the job. Flynn would be the starter this year and Wilson the future No. 1. After Wilson's performance against Kansas City on Friday night, though, he was named the Week 1 starter Sunday night.

But just how good can Wilson be in Year 1 for a team with playoff hopes? What are realistic expectations for Wilson and how far can he lead the Seahawks?

First of all, it's impressive that Wilson won the job in the first place. Even though he hasn't started a lot of games in the NFL, Flynn is a solid QB and the most reliable option Seattle has at the position. He looks like the type of smart, professional quarterback who won't make a lot of mistakes and won't lose games for Seattle, a team that has an elite defense and should have a strong power running game led by Marshawn Lynch. Even in limited views, I think the Seahawks know what they have in Flynn. But is that enough to get them to where they inevitably want to go?

Wilson is a rookie, and he does have shortcomings. Yes, he is very short for the position (though he finds throwing windows well) and obviously inexperienced at this level. Although he is refined, he will struggle reading defenses, recognizing blitz packages and adjusting to the overall speed of the game. But his potential trumps Flynn's reliability.

He is a passer first, but his athletic ability and the threat he poses to a defense with his legs simply can't be ignored. On third-and-long, if the play call breaks down, Wilson can scamper for a first down and extend the drive. Seattle can also call designed running plays for him. Athletic quarterbacks not only enhance a running game with their legs, but also can make a ton of room for running backs, as edge defenders will be much more hesitant to crash the inside run because the threat of Wilson keeping the ball and running off tackle.

Seattle's offensive line does concern me from a pass protection standpoint. But I expect the Seahawks to move Wilson with designed quarterback movement, something that will cut down on Wilson's reads and allow him a clearer sight line to his receivers. Defenses must honor Wilson's athletic skills, and those athletic skills will open up room and create better matchups for the Seattle's other offensive players.

While the plays Wilson can create with his legs are great -- and a very nice fallback as he transitions to the game at this level -- it's Wilson's passing that truly sets him apart from Flynn. And it will be those passing skills that define his career at the most important position on the field, as he learns to read NFL defenses and understand that he doesn't have to take over a game and try to make big plays on every snap. Wilson can really sling it. The ball explodes out of his hands and he can drive the ball downfield. That isn't true for Flynn. When playing against Wilson, the defense truly has to defend the entire field.

Wilson was given the opportunity to start the critical third preseason game, which often is the first time the respective teams game plan for one another. And Wilson sealed the starting job with a terrific performance. Against a good Chiefs defense, Wilson was decisive with his reads and stepped into his throws with authority. He threw well outside the numbers, showing off his excellent arm strength and the velocity he can create. Wilson wasn't ultra-conservative, either, and was unafraid to take shots downfield. Early in the second quarter on third-and-7, Wilson got immediate pressure from the Chiefs' edge pass-rushers. He was very quick to pull the ball down and take off up the middle, resulting in a 31-yard gain before going out of bounds untouched. That is a great example of his playmaking skill, but also what he brings to the table while he is learning to deal with blitz pressure without ever putting his body in harm's way. He finished the game with 58 rushing yards, and such production on the ground should be routine throughout the 2012 season.

Against Kansas City's first-team defense, Wilson produced points on six consecutive drives and Seattle's offense scored 30 points. He also orchestrated a fantastic two-minute drill that resulted in a touchdown to finish the first half. In his first three games in an NFL jersey -- albeit preseason -- Wilson has completed 67.3 percent of his passes and thrown five touchdowns, with just one interception. He posted similar outstanding numbers at Wisconsin last year.

For all the above reasons, Wilson is the correct choice to be the Seahawks' opening-day starter. In fact, I like the Seahawks to win the NFC West and for Carroll to win Coach of the Year, mostly based off this decision to go with Wilson as his starting quarterback.

Can the Seahawks be a true Super Bowl contender with Wilson behind center? That might be pushing it. With such a great defense, Seattle won't initially need to demand a ton from him in order to win games. Wilson rarely throws interceptions and protects the ball well. I expect the Seahawks to use a formula much like the one San Francisco used a year ago, and Wilson could quickly become the best quarterback in this division.

But all young quarterbacks will have their struggles, and the offense has some questions with the line and the overall cast of receivers. Look for Seattle to make the playoffs this season, and be much better set for the future because of this decision to start Wilson now.

 @Jokazc KD probably did this with his headphones that he has, unfortunately his headphones are crappy skull candy headphones

 @supreme35 That spears article calls Harden a "forward."

 @shiki I became a KD fan when he donned a burnt orange jersey.

@shiki I'd say my fandom began during the ostate-tx game that I think went to a couple of ot's. It was apparent then that KD had once in a generation type of talent even though he was playing for the enemy. His game is so beautiful I'd appreciate it no matter who he played for.

 @shiki Dudes from DC.  Hes no punk

 @shiki I became a Kevin Durant fan in his rookie season after this moment: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OktFdO8-dU0

 @DennisBerry

 Dang it...wednesday before thanksgiving.  If I hadn't promised my grandparents I'd be there...

I'll join you all in spirit, I suppose.

 @DennisBerry Mrs Jax and I are interested. When is the $ due?

 @DennisBerry just curioius, but where are the summit box suites located * i wear glasses and my eyesight sucks so * :P   . im talking with my roommate about this and he seems down do..possibly.

 @DennisBerry

Are you planning to travel up the turnpike to OKC soon?

 @justin_mia Good thing you didn't move to New Orleans or we wouldn't have known the NBA was feasible in OKC.

 @justin_mia It's what you get for living in Florida.

 @OBoymuzik Post September 24th

We've not figured out a date yet

 @DTfanboy Royce doesn't care about his readers... doesn't answer tweets anyways

 @OkcBaby Second