Seahawks: Don't doubt Bobby Wagner, at least the national media thinks so
Los Angeles wasn't for Bobby Wagner. And following a quick vacation, the Seattle Seahawks' captain finds himself back in the Pacific Northwest. And for good measure. But what is unknown is how much juice Wagner has left in the tank. His return to Seattle could mean he finds himself thrust back into the role he has grown […]
Los Angeles wasn't for Bobby Wagner.
And following a quick vacation, the Seattle Seahawks' captain finds himself back in the Pacific Northwest. And for good measure.
But what is unknown is how much juice Wagner has left in the tank. His return to Seattle could mean he finds himself thrust back into the role he has grown comfortable playing on any defense — the leader. It could also mean that his career is on its last legs. But that is a reality some national NFL writers don't think people should embrace — just yet.
In a recent article on NFL.com, Wagner was labeled as the team's non-quarterback MVP. That listing comes in as high praise for Wagner, who is on a team that features D.K. Metcalf and Kenneth Walker III.
Take a look at what NFL.com had to say:
"This is not a legacy pick, or a feel-good one, I promise. The return of Wagner, even at age 33, could be a massive development for a Seattle team that improved in a lot of ways last season but struggled badly to contain opponents' run games. Now that Wagner is back where he spent the first 10 years of his career, he'll have every chance to once again be a critical cog for a Seattle team that is suddenly an interesting contender out west."
On the wrong side of 30, Wagner was still a big proponent of the Rams' defense in 2022. Seattle will get its first look at whether Wagner has lost a step come training camp, but the belief in him is still there. But still, winning Defensive Player of the Year is a much more obtainable award for a player of Wagner's skill.
He's always exceeded expectations. Now it is time to see if he can do it again. Training camp will give Wagner a chance to prove the rest of the NFL's assumption about his age and ability wrong.
Feature image via Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports.
