Russell Wilson Debut.jpg

Why Steelers Fans Will See More of Russell Wilson

by
NFL

The weirdly timed Russell Wilson debut for the Steelers sparked outrage, confusion, and criticism across all of Pittsburgh. Sitting with a 4-2 record, Mike Tomlin stuck his neck out as he persisted to gather more clarity on what was available in the quarterback room. Despite a slow start, and the many boo’s that poured in the first half, they quickly fizzled, as their second-half performance showcased the offenses potential impact on the team’s winning efforts.

Wilson’s ability to stay composed, and add a downfield passing attack driven primarily by George Pickens, propelled the Steelers to score 30+ points in back to back games with two separate QBs. A scoring benchmark the team only achieved twice all of the 2023 season. 

Breaking Down Wilson’s First Start

The first half for Russ was nothing short of brutal. Fans patience wore thin quickly, with many thinking Tomlin had made a horrible mistake. In the first quarter, Wilson struggled, completing only 2 of 6 passes for 19 yards. By the end, Wilson had thrown for 264 yards and two touchdowns, completing 16 of 29 passes after a tremendous turnaround in the second half. Wilson’s efficiency on deep throws was particularly noteworthy. He completed 5 of 6 attempts on passes of at least 10 air yards, averaging an impressive 24.8 yards per attempt. 

This is the dimension of their offense that they had been missing. The running game maintained pace, but there was never a deep threat with Fields at the helm. That is the ultimate difference in the small sample size provided. The Jets had their chance to break the Steelers spirit before the half. One of the ciritical characteristics in a good football team is their ability to get points before the end of halves. Looking like their backs were against the wall, Wilson threw a strike just before halftime, connecting with Pickens for their first touchdowns of the season. This play sparked a series of five unanswered scores by the Steelers, including two touchdown passes and a touchdown run from Wilson. 

Wilson’s ability to align under center more frequently than in recent years was noteworthy. He took 41 of his 66 snaps from under center, his highest rate since 2016. This with effective running plays allowed him to execute play-action passes effectively, completing 8 of 9 such attempts for 150 yards. After a slow start that included some three-and-outs, the turnaround with the addition of his calm demeanor earned fans respect. 

Comparison to Fields

While Justin Fields had led the Steelers to a 4-2 start, Wilson’s performance against the Jets showcased some key differences. Wilson’s 264 passing yards in a single game exceeded Fields’ output in four out of six games this season, where Fields threw for less than 200 yards. Wilson’s experience and willingness to throw the deep ball could potentially unlock a more consistent downfield attack, something that has been largely missing from the Steelers’ offense thus far. This ability to stretch the field vertically will allow the other weapons to get involved in the intermediate windows. 

However, it’s worth noting that Fields brings a unique element to the game with his rushing ability. Fields leads all quarterbacks with five rushing touchdowns and is fourth in quarterback rushing yards. There were some throw aways by Russ where I thought Fields would have taken a sack, and visa versa, there were some sacks Wilson took that I thought Fields would have escaped.

Fields’ mobility was a significant asset, especially considering the Steelers’ offensive line struggles. As the Steelers move forward, it looks like Russ has the keys to the ship. Wilson’s debut performance made a strong case for his continued presence on the field, with one more game before the bye-week. 

Changes in play-calling

The Steelers’ offense, which previously ranked 28th in passing yards per game, needed a spark to maintain their winning ways, and George Pickens needed to break out. He is simply too talented to not be a factor when the team needs points. When given the chances like he did on Sunday night, he had five catches for 111 yards and a touchdown. With Fields, the criticisms were not exactly the throws he made, but the ones he didn’t make. Wilson threw the one-on-one chances that allow Pickens to showcase the alien-type athleticism he posses. When he’s a threat, other receivers also see increased involvement. Van Jefferson scored his first touchdown as a Steeler, while tight ends Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington made their own respective plays. The distribution of the ball only felt easier, and with more reps, it should only get better.

Red zone efficiency

The Steelers’ red zone efficiency has been a concern, with the team ranking 19th in the NFL with a 50.0% touchdown rate in the red zone through Week Six. In the 2023 season, Wilson had a 26.3% red zone touchdown rate, ranking sixth-best among qualifying quarterbacks. It was the difference in the first and second half. Can’t settle for field goals, you have to score touchdowns. With Russ’ experience and ability to read defenses, coupled with targets like Pickens and Freiermuth, fans now know Wilson gives them the best chance to score  inside the 20-yard line.

Beanie Bishop – The Unsung Hero

This blog may be about Russ’ debut, but it was the Beanie Bishop game. The undrafted rookie had two huge interceptions. His first interception came late in the first half when the Steelers were trailing by nine points. Bishop’s one-handed grab near midfield not only prevented the Jets from extending their lead, but also set up the first touchdown drive for the Steelers.

Bishop’s second interception proved equally crucial. As Rodgers attempted to connect with Garrett Wilson, the ball bounced off the receiver’s chest and into Bishop’s waiting arms. The rookie returned the interception to the Jets’ 1-yard line, setting up another touchdown for the Steelers. Bishop’s performance was instrumental in the Steelers scoring 31 unanswered points and overcoming a 15-6 first-half deficit.

In addition to the interceptions, the Steelers’ special teams unit continued their dominance by blocking a field goal attempt by Greg Zuerlein. This block maintained Pittsburgh’s 23-15 lead and denied the Jets an opportunity to narrow the gap. The Steelers’ then found their way to run away with it. 

From Jets to Giants

It’s a whole new ball game in Pittsburgh. The new dimensions of the Russell Wilson debut, combined with solid defensive contributions, signals a potential shift in the Steelers’ approach for the rest of the season. The positive locker room dynamics and Wilson’s leadership have created a promising outlook for the team. His veteran presence and Super Bowl experience along side with a tough running game will be the offense’s identity. As the team adapts to Wilson’s style of play, fans can expect to see more of his influence on the field in upcoming games.

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