All through this offseason, perhaps nobody doubted Russell Wilson greater than former NFL offensive lineman Mark Schlereth. When Wilson joined the Pittsburgh Steelers, Schlereth didn’t have many good issues to say about him. He didn’t consider Wilson would succeed, however he has admitted he was mistaken since Wilson started taking part in properly for the Steelers. Now, it looks like he’s all in on the Steelers.
“I’ve been a Steeler fan my whole life, and I’m excited,” Schlereth mentioned not too long ago on his podcast, Stinkin’ Reality. “I’m excited to see them play properly. Reality be advised, as pissed off as I used to be at Russell Wilson for all of the crap that went down in Denver, I’m really excited for him. I’m not rooting towards him. I feel it’s a cool story.”
That’s fairly the flip from Schlereth. He was pissed off with Wilson after the quarterback flamed out with the Broncos. It’s spectacular that he’s been keen to confess he’s mistaken. It’s a little stunning that he’s completely modified his thoughts in regards to the Steelers. Wilson’s story, it isn’t arduous to root for him.
Wilson received a Tremendous Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks after which stored them in competition for a championship. He bought traded to the Broncos in 2022, and issues went downhill quick. Not solely did his play on the sphere worsen, however his status off the sphere additionally took successful. Rumors began to fly about how Wilson was a foul teammate and a diva.
Mike Tomlin and the Steelers didn’t purchase any of that. They introduced Wilson in to compete for the beginning job, and he’s rewarded their perception in him. His teammates have had nothing however good issues to say, too. He’s achieved mainly every thing proper.
Now, Wilson has the Steelers on prime of the AFC North. They’re top-of-the-line groups within the NFL. Schlereth even goes as far as to say they’re Tremendous Bowl contenders.
“Completely. One, they’re going to play nice protection. Two, they’re going to run the ball. They’re going to discover a technique to run the ball and play a bodily model. One factor I’ll inform you about Pittsburgh is Pittsburgh is aware of precisely who they’re and, extra importantly, who they aren’t.”
Schlereth is appropriate. That they had a bullseye on who they needed to be by way of the entire modifications they made this offseason. Their purpose was to be bodily, and to this point, they’ve achieved a great job at that. The Steelers run the ball properly, play nice protection, and hit deep photographs when they should.
Wilson has additionally given them precisely what they need at quarterback. In three video games, he’s solely turned the ball over twice. He’s protected the soccer whereas nonetheless showcasing an elite deep ball. His veteran data has additionally proven up in key moments, serving to to raise the Steelers’ offense.
Schlereth is only one of many individuals who’ve modified their minds on Wilson and the Steelers. In 10 weeks, they’ve proven lots, giving individuals causes to consider in them. They aren’t excellent, however they do sufficient proper that they may go on a run within the playoffs.
There are nonetheless a handful of video games left this yr, although, so issues may change. The Steelers have an intimidating stretch developing. They play a number of the greatest groups within the league. There could be moments when issues are much less optimistic than they’re now. The vital factor is to not overreact. Tomlin has earned plenty of belief this yr.
