Washington 14
Seattle 13

It was third-and-five with the ball on the 27-yard-line.

Their kicker, Steven Hauschka, was nursing a calf muscle injury that would make the routine 40-plus yard field goal attempt a gargantuan task.

When running back Marshawn Lynch turned around to see which one of his teammates had provided him with a block on his game-winning touchdown run last Sunday, he must have been a little bit surprised.

It wasn't six foot five tight end Zach Miller.

It wasn't six foot four wide receiver Sidney Rice.

It was the player who handed him the ball seconds before, five foot eleven quarterback Russell Wilson.

Seattle 21
Washington 14

In what has been a Disney-esque season for the former Wisconsin standout, Wilson's ability to heave the big throw, make the elusive run, and yes, even throw a block, has the Seattle Seahawks on the cusp of an unexpected NFC Championship berth.

With the contagious poise of Peyton Manning and subtle swagger of Michael Vick, Wilson's freshman campaign has been nothing short of remarkable, especially considering the odds he faced to not only succeed, but survive, in the NFL.

Coming off a senior NCAA year in which he lead the Wisconsin Badgers to the Rose Bowl, Wilson was projected by pundits to be a mid-round pick in the NFL Draft.

His arm strength was never in question.

His mobility in the pocket never warranted doubts.

As far as quarterback capabilities are concerned, Wilson checked all the boxes and even drew in some new ones.

The thing about Wilson, is that just like star quarterbacks Drew Brees, Joe Theismann and Doug Flutie before him, he is marginally short by pro standards.

The first two rounds came and went, with quarterbacks Robert Griffin III, Andrew Luck, Ryan Tannehill, Brandon Weeden and Brock Osweiler all being drafted.

None of those players led their teams as far as Wilson this season.

He has never fit the bill of an archetypal quarterback. His height parallels his unorthodox, yet entirely certain, decisions on the field. You don't know how it works, it just does.

Seahawks coach, Pete Carroll, who has been showered with praise this season for tailoring his offensive schemes to Wilson’s athletic abilities, did not shy away from heaping praise on his rookie play-caller in a recent interview with XEPRS-AM San Diego.

"Forget the football, he's just an amazing individual -- strong and confident and articulate and just driven like you can't imagine. And then he's just got marvelous physical talent. He's a great all-around athlete, can play any sport, do anything."

One thing is certain: if Wilson continues to play like he has, Starbucks won't be the only thing brewing in the Emerald City.

A dynasty will too.

Seattle 24
Washington 14