Steelers' Russell Wilson Gets “Super Power” Revealed By Commanders’ Dan Quinn

The Pittsburgh Steelers are primed to take on the Washington Commanders in Week 10 on Sunday. Pittsburgh is currently 6-2 and quarterback Russell Wilson will have one edge going into the contest.

His accuracy on the deep ball is one of his signature skills. Commanders Head Coach Dan Quinn stressed Wilson’s inclination to throw the deep ball is what distinguishes him from other quarterbacks in the league at his Wednesday press conference.

When asked about Wilson being under center for the Steelers and what that entails, Quinn responded. 

“When I think of Russ, the first thing that pops to my mind is this: he’s a remarkable deep ball thrower, and it’s what he’s absolutely earned and been known for,” Quinn said. “Down inside and outside the pocket, he’s got the ability to throw on the run, you know, 50, 60 yards down the field to a spot only his receiver can get to. That, to me, is what sets him apart.” 

Wilson’s deep-ball skills have always been one of his best tools and he has shown this season that he can still make those wild shots perfectly. On throws of 20 or more yards in the air, Wilson has an outstanding passer rating of 100.7. The deep ball Wilson throws has become known to many as a "moon ball" due to his high arch making it hard for defenders to catch or make a play on. With the Commanders' defense looking to limit explosive plays, Pittsburgh’s offense must exploit the downfield shots Wilson can provide. The Steelers have a pair of capable receivers in George Pickens and newly acquired Mike Williams, who was traded from the New York Jets to the Steelers at the trade deadline. 

Steelers' Deep Ball Will Be Key to Week 10 Success

Wilson's deep passing game will face significant challenges due to the Commanders' recent acquisition of Marshon Lattimore from the New Orleans Saints at the trade deadline. Lattimore is known for his physicality and ability to shut down top receivers, strengthening their secondary. His presence, should he play in the upcoming game, could complicate Wilson's efforts to complete deep passes. Lattimore's skill in disrupting timing routes and pressing receivers at the line of scrimmage may limit the effectiveness of Pittsburgh's vertical passing attack. With the Commanders enhancing their defense, Wilson must be precise with his deep throws to minimize turnovers and take advantage of his receivers' abilities to make contested catches.

Lattimore faces a hard matchup between Pickens and Williams, who are big pieces for using Wilson’s deep-ball accuracy for the Steelers. Williams’ average target depth of 14.3 yards has been a solid deep threat and has had 54.3% career contested catches entering the season. In contrast, Pickens came into 2024 with a 78.6% catch rate, a contested target rate of 30.4%, and a 72.4% success rate against the press, which Lattimore excels in. Together, these two receivers give Wilson plenty of avenues downfield to get in the hole when it comes to the Commanders trying to limit the explosive play. 

Quinn spoke more about Wilson’s downfield capabilities, explaining how it can change the course of a game. 

"When those explosive plays happen, those are game-changers,” Quinn said. “He’s got a strong, strong arm, big hands—he can absolutely rip it. But it’s the downfield big shot plays; when those explosive plays happen, those are game-changers. And that’s what I think Russ’ super power is.” 

Wilson's exceptional talent might be what the Steelers need to sustain their momentum in this crucial game. As Week 10 approaches, the Steelers will depend on Wilson to keep the Commanders' defenses guessing, with the deep ball likely serving as the key weapon that can make a difference. Wilson’s “super power” could be the X-factor in this pivotal matchup, and if Wilson delivers, it could give Pittsburgh the edge they need.

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