The Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to begin the Russell Wilson experiment on Sunday night when they take on the New York Jets. Wilson had been the emergency quarterback or the backup to Justin Fields throughout the first six games of the season, but it is looking like the veteran will finally make his first start with the Black and Gold. Head Coach Mike Tomlin was trying to keep his decision on who will be starting in Week 7 on the down low, but wide receiver George Pickens unexpectedly told the media Wilson would be starting on Friday.
Sebastian Foltz / Pittsburgh Post Gazette
Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson stretches on the field with the team during preparation for a 2024 Organized Team Activities practice at the UPMC Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, PA.
Fields had done a good job throughout the first six games at quarterback, as Pittsburgh holds a 4-2 record and is currently tied atop the AFC North with the Baltimore Ravens. Despite that, Pittsburgh will be turning to Wilson on Sunday night in hopes that he can elevate the passing game and the offense as a whole. Former NFL scout and player Bucky Brooks believes that Wilson can elevate the Pittsburgh offense, and even make them a serious Super Bowl contender, which he stated on the most recent episode of Move The Sticks.
"The Pittsburgh Steelers are just missing the dynamic and consistent play at quarterback for them to go to the next level," Brooks said. "The combination of Justin Fields and Russell Wilson, I think can do that. I'm gonna go with Russell Wilson putting the Pittsburgh Steelers in contention and being able to take them over the top because he turns back the clock in the postseason."
A big question mark surrounding Wilson is his age, and whether or not he can still perform at a high level. He had a rough season with the Denver Broncos in 2022, but turned things around in 2023, as he threw 26 touchdowns and just eight interceptions. Brooks believes that Wilson's experience can help take the Steelers where they want to go, which would mean winning a playoff game for the first time since the 2016 NFL season.
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Steelers' Russell Wilson walks down to practice at St. Vincent College during training camp in 2024.
Wilson is one of the more successful quarterbacks in the NFL today. He has a career record of 9-7 in the postseason, which includes two trips to the Super Bowl and one victory. He performs at a high level in the playoffs as he possesses a career passer rating of 95.3. He has thrown for 3,786 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions in the postseason.
There are two main things that Wilson offers that Fields cannot: experience, and an elevated passing attack. This means as Wilson gets a few starts under his belt, fans should begin to see Pickens and the other playmakers produce more in the passing game. The biggest question will be the running game, which Fields contributed to heavily throughout the first six games of the year.
Steelers' Russell Wilson Will Need To Get The Ball Out Quick
One of Pittsburgh's biggest weaknesses in the 2024 season has been the offensive line. Broderick Jones has struggled at right tackle, a fourth-round draft pick is starting at right guard in Mason McCormick, and Pittsburgh will be without their standout center Zach Frazier for at least the next couple of games. Fields would often use his mobility to extend plays and escape pressure, which is something Wilson may struggle with.
Steelers.com
Steelers' Justin Fields runs with the football against the Las Vegas Raiders during an away regular season game.
The veteran is experienced when it comes to reading defensive coverages, which should help him get the ball out quicker than Fields -- which will help. However, Fields' legs accounted for a lot of Pittsburgh's offensive production during the team's first six games of the season. Wilson will need to replace that production through the air, which should open things up for the running game.
What do you think about Brooks' comments? Are the Steelers Super Bowl contenders with Wilson? Let us know in the comments below!
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