The Pittsburgh Steelers have concluded their 2024 training camp, and will now begin to shift their focus towards their Week 1 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons on September 8th. Before the black and gold can play the games that matter, however, they must continue to move through preseason activities. Ahead of their matchup in the second week against the Buffalo Bills, all eyes look towards Russell Wilson, who is scheduled for his first live action as a member of the Steelers.
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Steelers' Russell Wilson and Calvin Austin III during training camp in 2024.
Wilson, a former Super Bowl champion, has been one of the highlight signings of the Steelers' offseason. Coming off a tough stint with the Denver Broncos, he looked forward to having a chance to win another ring in Pittsburgh.
Despite a strong start to his tenure during the teams Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and offseason workouts, Wilson has been unable to participate in most of training camp due to a calf injury. With Justin Fields having a strong camp, questions have been asked about Wilson's ability to make an impact in 2024.
No one would know this answer more than Sean Payton, who coached Wilson in Denver in 2023. Wilson rebounded under Payton, but never reached that full potential. In an interview with ESPN's Sal Paolantonio, Head Coach Mike Tomlin was asked if he received any knowledge of Wilson's ability and energy from his former head coach.
"I did not, It's my job and our job to determine that. It's just Steelers conducting Steelers business, man. We information gather. We do our appropriate research, and we make decisions and we don't look back. We don't seek comfort from the opinion of others that are non-Steelers, respectfully."
Tomlin, who has coached the Steelers since 2007, has always kept his cards close to his chest. The Steelers as an organization pride themselves on doing things their way. It's a direction that has worked well in the past, but has been called into question as the team has seemingly struggled adapting to the new-age NFL. Under General Manager Omar Khan, the Steelers have begun to re-invent the 'Steeler Way', while holding these foundational beliefs true.
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Russell Wilson was the Denver Broncos QB for the 2023 season, which was Sean Payton's first season as the teams head coach.
Both Khan and Tomlin have been thorough towards player research and acquisition, and Wilson's signing is no exception. As Wilson was targeted early in the process, the Steelers clearly had a vision with what they expect from him. Questioning the ability of an aging veteran who has yet to see time on the field is valid, but rest assured that the Steelers have made this move with a purpose.
Steelers Following 'Steeler Way' Could Hold Team Back
Following the path set ahead of them, the tradition of the Steelers has been a foundational piece towards the teams success. Both Tomlin and former Head Coach Bill Cowher won championships following the model, and ensuring that the "Standard is the Standard.
When it comes to acquiring players via the draft or free agency, you'll see Tomlin specifically develop close bonds with coaches and players in attendance. Often times, even if the team doesn't draft said player, they can still join Tomlin later in their career.
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Steelers Quarterback Russell Wilson gets some work in during training camp 2024.
All these factors of relationship building, lead to research and study. To build a team means to know your strengths and weaknesses, and learn your players strengths and weaknesses. Research entails watching tape and making your own assumptions, but receiving quality opinions is another great way to check all your boxes.
Payton, a Super Bowl champion himself, is a quality source who would have great information surrounding his former quarterback. He was likely heavily involved in the decision to release Wilson earlier this offseason. Though the two may be rivals, the camaraderie of being in the league as long as the two have been would certainly stand out in asking questions about players.
Trusting your staff and information is great, and has led to the Steelers finding several hidden gems over the years. But the team must be careful in ensuring that confidence doesn't shift towards arrogance. Tomlin and the Steelers have been blessed to have the teams tradition over the years, but knowing when to tweak certain traditions can be the difference between being the best or the worst in the league.
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