Seahawks CB Wilson: ‘You’re really never out of it’

Starting with today’s game at Arizona, the Seahawks (3-5) hope to get on a roll and get in the playoff race. Josh Wilson(notes), who returned an interception 61 yards for a TD to seal last week’s win over Detroit, talked with Sporting News Radio’s Tim Montemayor about the Seahawks’ defense, Lions rookie Matthew Stafford(notes) and Seattle corner Marcus Trufant(notes).

Sporting News: Did you think you were going all the way when you picked it off?

Josh Wilson: When I caught it, I checked and I had a good angle to the end zone. So I went ahead and went for the touchdown. Of course, my coach would rather me take a knee and get the guaranteed win. But I saw the end zone and I went for it. I’ve had two blessed opportunities—this year and last year—to be able to do that. It’s hard to come by.

SN: You’ve had a bunch of injuries on defense. How are you guys doing?

JW: As a backup (for injured MLB Lofa Tatupu(notes)), David Hawthorne(notes), this is your chance to step up. This is your opportunity to play, show you can play in the NFL. He stepped up to the challenge. Had two interceptions (last week) and has just been playing great lately.

SN: You have to know that if you do your job defensively, your offense will give you a chance every week.

JW: Oh, yeah. We have some of the best receivers in the game and one of the best quarterbacks in the game. You put all that together and we’re going to put some points on the board every week. It’s just the defense has to step up and keep the opponent’s points to a minimum.

SN: You’re in a position in the division that if you can string some wins together, you can get back in the race.

JW: It’s one thing about the NFL that you’re really never out of it—if you can just get on a hot streak at the right time. Look at Arizona last year, they were up and down and strung a couple great games together and they’re in the Super Bowl. And then one play away from winning the Super Bowl. It’s all about timing in this league. It’s not always who’s hot early; it’s who’s hot when it’s important.

SN: What did you think of Matthew Stafford?

JW: I think he’s going to be a great player. I just think he has to work on the little things. Everybody remembers Peyton Manning’s(notes) first year. He wasn’t the Peyton Manning we all know now. It takes a lot of honing your skills and just knowing how to throw a ball. He throws the same speed whether you’re right in front of him or you’re deep. Once he starts putting some touch on the ball, he’ll be a great quarterback in this league.

SN: Marcus Trufant got a pick (last week). He’s a big part of your defense when he’s right, isn’t he?

JW: Tru’s a great player. With him back, he adds another dimension to this defense that allows us to be a complete defense, and that’s what we’re looking for. Now that we have him back, things can really start rolling for us.

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