Steelers' Brian Angelichio Exposes Overlooked Truth Behind Will Howard's Interceptions

The Pittsburgh Steelers watched Will Howard produce the type of preseason outing that appears far worse in the box score than it did from snap to snap. The young passer completed 10 of 15 attempts for 74 yards against the New York Jets, but two interceptions ultimately defined Pittsburgh's 17-0 loss.

That is the unforgiving reality of playing quarterback. Every pick lands beside the signal-caller's name, even when the initial breakdown involves protection, timing or a route being run incorrectly. Howard made two damaging throws and must accept his share of the responsibility.

However, Offensive Coordinator Brian Angelichio has now joined Mike McCarthy in stressing that those turnovers were not solely Howard's fault. His explanation via Steelers writer Brian Batko introduced an overlooked layer to the conversation and raised legitimate questions about Roman Wilson's role in both miscues.

"I think overall, the execution has got to be better," Angelichio said when asked about Howard's interceptions. "Obviously, the quarterbacks are the ones who - they threw an interception, it goes in their stats. But it's everybody."

That final detail deserves attention. Angelichio did not identify Wilson or directly assign blame to the wideout, but each interception came on a pass intended for him. When an offensive coordinator specifically mentions the route while distributing responsibility across the entire unit, it is fair to wonder whether the pass-catcher executed his assignment correctly.

McCarthy added to the uncertainty during his postgame press conference. Asked whether Wilson reached the proper spot on those plays, Pittsburgh's head coach declined to offer a firm defense of the receiver. Instead, he acknowledged that neither rep was clean.

None of that completely absolves Howard. The guy under center must recognize when something has gone wrong and find a way to survive the snap. McCarthy explained that one mistake became two in both instances, suggesting the quarterback compounded an earlier problem rather than overcoming it.

Still, hearing two coaches emphasize collective execution changes how the performance should be evaluated. Howard cannot be judged as though he simply misread the defense twice while everything around him functioned perfectly. Several details broke down, and Angelichio's comments indicate the route may have been one of them.

That possibility should cause Black and Gold supporters to reconsider Wilson's larger story. The Michigan product possesses obvious talent, catches the football naturally and can create excitement when given an opportunity. His ability after the pass arrives has never appeared to be the primary concern. The real problem may involve everything required before the ball reaches him.

Wilson struggled to establish a meaningful role under Mike Tomlin during his first two NFL seasons. Injuries contributed to that slow beginning, but physical setbacks alone cannot explain every missed opportunity. Aaron Rodgers also appeared reluctant to develop consistent trust in him throughout 2025, and a veteran of Rodgers' caliber demands precision from every target.

A receiver can separate, run hard and display reliable hands while still losing his quarterback's confidence. One missed adjustment, incorrect landmark or misread coverage can destroy the timing of an entire concept. Those seemingly minor details often determine whether a promising drive produces points or ends with the football going the other direction.

Steelers Need Roman Wilson's Details To Match His Talent

That is what makes Angelichio's answer potentially revealing. It does not prove the young wideout caused either turnover, and that inference should not be presented as confirmed fact. It does, however, provide a possible explanation for why his physical tools have not translated into a dependable offensive role.

The former third-round pick still has time to correct those shortcomings. McCarthy's system offers him a fresh opportunity, but the standard will only rise with Rodgers directing the offense. If the finer points remain inconsistent, the Steelers cannot rely on Wilson simply because he flashes when the ball comes his way.

Howard owns both picks because that accountability accompanies the quarterback position. Angelichio's remarks make it clear, though, that the film presents a more complicated picture than the stat sheet. Wilson must now prove his routes, timing and awareness can become every bit as trustworthy as his hands.

Please share your Steelers opinions with me on X (@anthonyghalkias), and consider following for more Black and Gold coverage and discussion. Was Howard judged too harshly for the turnovers, or do the coaches' comments reveal a larger Roman Wilson concern? I always enjoy hearing different perspectives about the crucial details behind Pittsburgh's biggest plays.

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