This week begins the lengthy stretch to the top of the season for the Pittsburgh Steelers. This has all the time been probably the most intimidating portion of their schedule. It begins with the Washington Commanders, probably the greatest groups within the NFL. The Commanders’ offense has been electrical, so the Steelers will possible have to proceed their offensive success underneath Russell Wilson. Nonetheless, analyst Pete Prisco believes Wilson received’t see as a lot success this week as he has been.
“My factor I wanna see right here is Russell Wilson on the street,” Prisco mentioned Wednesday on CBS Sports activities HQ. “We noticed him towards the Jets in primetime. They had been down two-and-a-half defensive backs in that recreation.
“We noticed him towards the Giants, who had been down two defensive backs in that recreation, in primetime, at dwelling. Now you’re out on the street, and I feel it’s gonna be a much bigger problem for him to get that offense going the best way he desires it to get going.”
The Commanders’ offense will get all of the glamor, however their protection can also be robust. In response to FOX Sports activities, they’ve the 14th-ranked whole protection. They’ve additionally simply added former All-Professional nook Marshon Lattimore, who would possibly play this week. Head coach Dan Quinn was additionally the architect of the Seattle Seahawks “Legion of Growth” protection that received a Tremendous Bowl.
The Jets and Giants have strong defenses, however as Prisco mentioned, they had been injured once they performed the Steelers. That shouldn’t throw chilly water on Wilson’s performances. These defenses had been nonetheless largely wholesome, and Wilson performed effectively. He additionally hadn’t performed in an everyday season recreation since final December, which ought to assist construct credence for his work.
The Steelers additionally added receiver Mike Williams, which ought to assist enhance their offense. His strengths align effectively with Wilson’s unbelievable deep ball. Possibly Wilson received’t lead the Steelers to 30 factors this week, however seeing him come out and fall on his face could be somewhat stunning.
This recreation seems like a toss-up, so it’s powerful to say what the ultimate consequence can be. With a number of division opponents up subsequent, Wilson and the Steelers might want to proceed to look sharp. The Commanders are an important group, but when the Steelers wish to be seen as critical threats within the playoffs, they’ll have to beat opponents of this high quality. Which means they’ll want Wilson to proceed elevating their offense.
