The Pittsburgh Steelers’ protection has been elite this 12 months, and a part of that’s because of a number of new additions. This previous offseason, a lot of the main target was on their offensive additions, however they did so much to enhance their protection too. Extra particularly, they did an ideal job shoring up linebacker. Signing Patrick Queen helped, and drafting Payton Wilson has additionally begun to pay dividends.
Wilson is coming into his personal after making the play of the sport within the Steelers’ 18-16 win over the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, and nobody might be happier for the rookie than his defensive coordinator.
“It’s actually extra a testomony to the younger man, not me, however that he’s capable of take the issues we’re engaged on and take them to the sphere as a result of that’s what makes actually good gamers,” Teryl Austin mentioned Tuesday through the team-provided transcripts. “They take the issues that we give them after which they must do it. So, whenever you see that occur, you’re completely satisfied for him as a result of it’s coming collectively for him.”
In opposition to the Ravens, Wilson ripped the ball out of a receiver’s arms to document a important interception. It was a wild sequence of occasions that couldn’t have come at a greater time. The Steelers had simply turned the ball over within the pink zone, and the Ravens had an opportunity to take the lead on that drive. Fortunately, Wilson made an enormous play.
That interception confirmed all of the issues that make Wilson particular. He’s acquired an enormous body, and his athleticism is off the charts. His closing velocity allowed him to catch as much as the receiver, placing him able to let his instincts take over. So far as first NFL interceptions go, that one must be memorable.
This season, Wilson hasn’t been pressured to the forefront of the Steelers’ protection, and that’s been a great factor. With Queen and Elandon Roberts in entrance of him, Wilson has been capable of come alongside at his personal tempo. He’s nonetheless made some errors, however the third-round draft decide is starting to search out his footing.
The Steelers possible aren’t stunned by Wilson’s skills as he was an amazing expertise popping out of school. Damage issues had been the one purpose the NC State product fell so far as he did within the draft. As lengthy he stays wholesome, Wilson ought to have lots extra alternatives to ascend. There must be numerous optimism surrounding his future with the Steelers.
