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'Angry' Russell Wilson sparks Seattle Seahawks' second-half run vs. Indianapolis Colts

By Daniel Brill, The Sports Xchange
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson hands off to Thomas Rawls during first quarter action against the Atlanta Falcons in their NFC playoff game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta on January 14, 2017. File photo by Phil Skinner/UPI
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson hands off to Thomas Rawls during first quarter action against the Atlanta Falcons in their NFC playoff game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta on January 14, 2017. File photo by Phil Skinner/UPI | License Photo

SEATTLE -- Seahawks cornerback Justin Coleman, running back J.D. McKissic and defensive lineman Marcus Smith played a massive role in Seattle's 46-18 rout of the Indianapolis Colts, but somehow it was quarterback Russell Wilson who was front and center.

It wasn't just his 295 yards passing or his 78-percent completion rate. It was the passionate and fiery celebration on his 23-yard run for Seattle's first touchdown on the first drive of the second half.

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Wide receiver Doug Baldwin had to go back three years to remember a time when Russell was that excited.

"Rams game, I think it was three years ago, at St. Louis, it was another long run on the sideline, he got up was energetic, excited about it and that was the last time I've seen him like that," Baldwin said smirking.

Wilson was nearly perfect throwing the ball in the first half, going 8 for 9 for 113 yards. He also had rushed for 15 yards on three carries. However, the drives had kept stalling due to incompletions or penalties halting Seattle's momentum.

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Seattle had run Chris Carson on four consecutive plays followed by two incompletions. Another third down ... cue Wilson's magic.

"I knew I was in, I felt I kept my legs up above the ground," Wilson said. "That energy is what we need and it's not just for me, it's for my teammates, the fans, we need that energy."

In Baldwin's opinion, 'Angry' Russell is something they need to bring out of him more often.

"If you ask me what was the spark, him taking off on that long run and then getting up and celebrating the way he did, that gave a lot of juice to the rest of the team," Baldwin said. "I try to force it out of him but, he doesn't always want to let it happen."

Whether it's "angry Russell" or "calm, cool and collected Russell" head coach Pete Carroll was pleased with the result of the play.

"Russ is pretty calm," Carroll said, "He's a tough competitor. ... He doesn't get many chances to do that. He's always running out of bounds and taking care of himself; that one he went for it. At the right time, and he did it beautifully."

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