Rookie Russell Wilson made a bold statement Friday night in his battle to win the Seahawks’ starting quarterback job.

The Seattle Seahawks have an obvious decision to make. As painful as it may be.

Despite giving unproven career backup Matt Flynn a $19 million package during the offseason, it is clear undersized third-round draft pick Russell Wilson is the team’s best quarterback.

That was obvious Friday night when Wilson was in total command throughout the meaningful portion of a 44-14 rout of the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium.

Wilson completed 13 of 19 passes for 185 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Wilson, generously listed at 5-foot-11, completed touchdown passes of 21 yards to tight end Kellen Winslow and 11 yards to receiver Charly Martin at the end of the half to cap a 2-minute drive for a 23-7 halftime lead quelled any momentum the Chiefs may have gained from their first touchdown.

Working primarily against Kansas City’s first defensive unit, Wilson led seven drives and only the last one didn’t result in points when Steven Hauschka was wide right from 51 yards after connecting from 36, 39 and 45 yards on the Seahawks’ first three drives.

Wilson also rushed twice for 58 yards.

While Wilson was commanding the night, Flynn did not play. Tarvaris Jackson, who is clearly No. 3 and on the trade block, mopped up.

Another rookie who stood out for the ‘Hawks, running back Robert Turbin, carried 14 times for 93 yards and a touchdown on a 25-yard run to make it 30-7 in the third quarter.

Seattle also got third quarter touchdowns on a 75-yard interception return by safety Earl Thomas and a 92-yard punt return by Golden Tate.

Terrell Owens, a longshot to make the team at age 38, had his first two receptions of the summer, the first on an over-the-top basket catch as he slid to the ground near the sideline for a 40-yard gain.

Braylon Edwards, the other seasoned veteran trying to stick with the receiving corps, had one catch for 32 yards leaping to snatch the ball against defenders displaying athleticism and concentration that, frankly, is no longer evident in TO’s game.

The Seahawks conclude the exhibition schedule Thursday against Oakland. They open the season Sept. 9 at Arizona.

Follow Jeff Parenti on Twitter @JD_Parenti