How many individuals had been (and nonetheless are) prepared to put in writing off QB Russell Wilson after his time in Denver with the Broncos? The reply is so much. However the Pittsburgh Steelers group was not amongst that group. It didn’t take lengthy in any respect for the Steelers to carry Wilson in for a go to. And it didn’t take lengthy for the 2 sides to make a deal.
The partnership definitely is sensible. The Steelers wanted a confirmed veteran quarterback, and Russell Wilson brings loads of profitable expertise to Pittsburgh. It’s additionally alternative to bounce again from his time in Denver.
That’s why Bucky Brooks thinks Wilson might be primed to bounce again in 2024 with the Steelers.
“I feel it’s untimely to dismiss the nine-time Professional-Bowler’s possibilities of success in 2024,” Brooks wrote in an article for NFL.com. “The Thirteenth-year professional posted respectable numbers in his closing season with the Denver Broncos (66.4% completion fee, 28:6 TD-to-INT ratio), exhibiting a few of the clutch playmaking abilities (he had 4 game-winning drives, one shy of his profession excessive) that made the previous Seahawk a legend within the Pacific Northwest.”
Wilson’s 2023 season statistically was superior to only about every thing the Steelers have had over the past two years mixed. If Pittsburgh bought that form of play over your complete season, they might have challenged the Baltimore Ravens for the AFC North title. So why wouldn’t the Steelers need Wilson if he can replicate, if not enhance on, his 2023 season?
Now, the pairing doesn’t transfer the needle for lots of Steelers followers and vocal components of the nationwide media. It does go in opposition to the course the NFL is transferring in. Nearly all of groups try to push the envelope on offense, not play conservatively.
“However offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and head coach Mike Tomlin absolutely perceive the worth of an skilled playmaker like Wilson, who is aware of the best way to play profitable soccer in a league the place video games are routinely determined by eight factors or fewer,” Brooks wrote.
And Tomlin is aware of the best way to win these varieties of video games, too. The Steelers had been 9-2 in one-score video games in 2023 alone. They’re additionally the one workforce within the NFL to have a .600 or higher profitable proportion in one-score video games from 2007-2023.
Nevertheless, Wilson could be what holds himself again from a bounce-back season. He strained his calf throughout a conditioning take a look at to begin coaching camp. He then skilled calf tightness main as much as this week’s season opener in opposition to the Atlanta Falcons. When the Steelers put out their damage report on Friday, Wilson was listed as questionable.
Wilson is 35 and can flip 36 throughout the 2024 NFL season. He’s an elder statesman within the NFL. Can he keep wholesome and upright this season in Pittsburgh? If that’s the case, Brooks thinks he’ll have a darn good yr for the Steelers.
