Russell Wilson was the most valuable player on Sunday when Seattle routed Denver to win the Super Bowl. Wilson did not win the actual award — that honor went to one of his teammates, linebacker Malcolm Smith, who returned an interception for a touchdown and also recovered a fumble.

Indeed, the award could have gone just as easily to another Seahawk, Percy Harvin, who broke the game open by returning the second-half kickoff for a touchdown. The entire Seattle defensive unit could have shared the honor as well.

But make no mistake: Wilson, Seattle’s 25-year-old quarterback, was the Seahawks’ dream-maker on Sunday. Without flash or explosion, he made timely plays, avoided trouble and produced a steady and error-free performance.