SUPER RUSS SET TO CLAIM AWARD
RUSSELL WILSON has spent the week answering questions about being the new favourite to win the 2017 MVP award.
But Seattle’s quarterback knows that without his partnership with tight end Jimmy Graham, the Seahawks would be going nowhere this year – along with any hopes he had of being named Most Valuable Player.
Wilson and Graham have hooked up for nine touchdowns in the past eight games, including one last week as they shocked the runaway Philadelphia Eagles and blew open the Super Bowl race.
As they prepared to travel to Jacksonville tonight (Sky Sports Action, 9pm), Wilson said: “Jimmy is playing at the highest level, he is one of my best friends, but also a great team-mate, a guy who works so hard.
“He is one of the best tight ends ever to play the game and we want to find ways to get him the football. He is making all kinds of plays.
“There is nothing he can’t do. He strikes a fire in us.”
Seattle head coach Pete Carroll has seen the relationship develop and hands much of the credit to the impressive Graham.
Carroll said: “We’re fortunate to have him. Jimmy has made himself into an all-around tight end. He’s become a really good blocker. He works so hard at it.
“It is wonderful to have the chemistry going between Jimmy and Russell and hopefully it will keep going.”
Jacksonville defender Tashaun Gipson will have the unenviable task of trying to slow down the 6ft 7ins, 19-stone Graham tonight and knows it could be a long day. Gipson said: “You’ve got to respect him. I don’t think there is a tight end that’s caught more touchdowns.” TODAY All SSAction Oakland @ Kansas 5.30pm Seattle @ Jacksonville 9pm Baltimore @ Pittsburgh 1.20am TOMORROW/TUESDAY All SSAction N England @ Miami 1.15am THURSDAY/FRIDAY All SSAction Denver @ Indianapolis 12.30am SATURDAY BBC1 The NFL Show 11.45pm