One Bonus To Chiefs Facing A Rookie QB

ESPN's Bill Williamson briefly weighed in on the news that Seattle Seahawks rookie Russell Wilson will start against the Kansas City Chiefs in Friday's preseason game and he writes that this is not good news for KC.

If Kansas City's first-team defense contains Wilson, it would be something that should happen and it might not be a big enough test for the Chiefs' first-unit defense in its most extensive preseason action. However, if Wilson shreds the Chiefs' defense, it could create doubt as the unit prepares to play Matt Ryan and Atlanta in Week 1.

I certainly see the logic and agree to an extent but not completely.

ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported earlier this week that the Seahawks quarterback competition is legit and Wilson could win the starting job with a solid performance against the Chiefs. That means this game actually means something to him. It matters. It's not just a preseason game. Adding that extra layer should make this more competitive, which is the only thing preseason games usually lack.

So while I can see Williamson's point -- and agree that the post-game comments will reflect that -- starting the rookie notches up the intensity level a little bit.