It is likely to be time for sure events to just accept that the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Russell Wilson remains to be a very good quarterback. For no matter causes he didn’t work out with the Denver Broncos, and he’s rehabilitating his status in Pittsburgh. And most significantly, he’s doing that the only manner: by taking part in effectively and delivering profitable performs.
The truth is, Russell Wilson continues to tug the Steelers to feats they haven’t mustered since Ben Roethlisberger. Now, that’s not precisely revelatory, contemplating the string of quarterbacks who’ve are available in between. From Mitch Trubisky and Kenny Pickett to Mason Rudolph and Justin Fields, we’re not speaking about Corridor of Famers.
That’s not to slight any of them within the least, but it surely does spotlight the distinction between watching a franchise quarterback and only a good or first rate one. We don’t even have to speak about Russell Wilson’s “moon ball” prowess, delivering the deep ball again to the Steelers in methods not seen since earlier than Roethlisberger injured his elbow.
The outcomes merely converse for themselves, week in and week out. In his first begin, he made Steelers historical past by throwing for probably the most yards and scoring probably the most factors. No one in workforce historical past ever debuted with higher numbers than Russell Wilson. He additionally simply threw three landing passes in a sport, which no one had managed since Roethlisberger. The final one got here on a ravishing deep ball on third and 9, a move they may not have even tried with one other quarterback.
One other factor he managed that (nearly) no one else has since Roethlisberger? Overcoming a 10-point second-half deficit. The Steelers trailed the Washington Commanders 24-14 with 25 minutes to play. They scored two touchdowns—and in between, squandered a shot at a 3rd with a goal-line fumble.
So not solely are the Steelers profitable video games by mounting sizeable comebacks, they’re doing so whereas overcoming essential errors. With Russell Wilson, Mike Tomlin not has to play conservative to the core. He has an offense that may come again from a mistake, whether or not on offense, protection, or particular groups. The Steelers additionally received their first sport whereas permitting 25-plus factors since 2021. They have been 0-9, together with 0-1 earlier this season, earlier than plugging Wilson into the beginning lineup.
They usually did, quite a few occasions. The particular groups botched a faux punt from the Steelers’ personal 15-yard line. That allowed the Commanders to tie the sport, however Wilson and firm re-took the lead. Even after Washington went on a 17-point run to take a two-possession lead, no one panicked.
The straightforward cause is as a result of the Steelers now consider they’ve a quarterback in Russell Wilson who can all the time give them an opportunity to win a sport, a sense they haven’t had since Ben Roethlisberger. Certain, Kenny Pickett could lead on a game-winning drive, however provided that you saved the rating underneath 20.
Wilson offers the Steelers what they’ve wanted however haven’t had for years: somebody who can win a shootout. As a result of in case you haven’t seen, the Steelers maintain winding up in shootouts as soon as they get to the playoffs. And with video games towards some nice offenses to complete this season, he’s even protecting hope alive for the division title. Possibly even a first-round bye if they will knock off the Chiefs, who’re a shaky 9-0.
