"Knew we had a great team" - Russell Wilson's favorite target unsurprised by team's success without former QB

When Russell Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos, most fans and pundits predicted the Seattle Seahawks to be in the running for the top pick in 2023. Instead, they're keeping pace with the rest of the NFC at 4-3 and leading their division. Most fans and pundits have been shocked to see the team in this form, but one of Wilson's former teammates is not among them.

Speaking on the Rich Eisen Show, wide receiver Tyler Lockett knew the Seahawks could do some damage even without Wilson. Here's how he put it:

"We knew that when we first started... the biggest thing is that you keep everything in-house. You try to focus on what's in-house, you try to build on what's in-house, and you try to build each other up and continue to get better in-house."

He continued, claiming the roster already knew they could be great:

"Everybody on the outside has their own opinions but, each week, things change. They were talking bad about it at the beginning of the season. They are starting to open up their eyes and talk good about us, but we already knew that we had a great team."

Tyler Lockett's career with Russell Wilson

Arizona Cardinals v Seattle Seahawks

Tyler Lockett is 30 years old and embarking on his first season without Russell Wilson under center. Lockett was selected in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft and became the eventual successor to Doug Baldwin, who was the quarterback's previous favorite target.

Lockett started slow in his first three seasons, earning around 575 yards per campaign. In 2018, however, his production hit a new pace. Between 2018-2021, he earned at least 950 yards and eight touchdowns each season. 2021 was arguably the best season of his career to this point, earning 1,175 yards and eight touchdowns.

Lockett has 468 yards and two touchdowns through seven games under Geno Smith this campaign. Smith and the Seahawks have been one of the surprises of the season thus far, although Tyler Lockett could see it coming. We will see if they can keep it going in Week 8, when Seattle take on the 6-1 New York Giants.

If you use any of the above quotes, please credit the Rich Eisen Show and H/T Sportskeeda.