Before this season, it wasn’t hard to find someone who thought Russell Wilson was done in the NFL. Wilson, who won a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks back in 2013, saw his football reputation decline dramatically after being traded to the Denver Broncos. Critics pointed to his disappointing performance on the field and cast aspersions about issues behind the scenes. Yet, with his recent move to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Wilson has been busy flipping the narrative on its head.
Former NFL offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth has openly admitted his doubts about Wilson's potential to succeed as the starting quarterback. Not long ago, on his popular podcast Fitz & Whit, Whitworth stated, “I was wrong,” acknowledging the effectiveness Wilson has displayed during his brief time with the Steelers. Initially, Whitworth favored quarterback Justin Fields over Wilson, but the veteran's resurgence has led him to reconsider.
At the time of this decision, the Steelers were led by Fields, boasting a respectable 4-2 record. Nevertheless, when Coach Mike Tomlin tapped Wilson to return from injury, many were skeptical. Under his leadership, the Steelers' offense has taken on fresh energy, allowing for more explosive plays and impressive comebacks. Even Whitworth conceded, “It’s pretty difficult to argue [against] Tomlin’s choice.”
Evidence of Wilson’s comeback can be seen in the deep ball he threw to wide receiver Mike Williams, which has added a new dimension to the Steelers' offensive strategy. While Fields was capable of throwing it far, Wilson’s touch on the ball appears to resonate well with key receivers like George Pickens and Williams. His experience and calm leadership have stood out, especially during high-pressure moments. For example, when the Steelers faced the Washington Commanders and were trailing by ten points, Wilson remained unfazed.
His performance against formidable defenses like the New York Jets and Giants has only amplified confidence. Wilson faced the Commanders' explosive offense head-on, showing he could maintain pace with them. Some may question if Wilson can reclaim his status as a franchise quarterback, yet it’s evident he still possesses enough skill to make the Steelers competitive.
Wilson’s game-winning drives and comebacks tell the story of his clutch ability. Recently, he achieved his 40th game-winning drive, surpassing John Elway to place ninth on the NFL’s all-time list. During the thrilling 28-27 victory against the Commanders, he completed three touchdown passes, demonstrating his well-honed knack for performing when the stakes are highest. “You’ve got to love clutch moments,” Wilson expressed, underscoring the essence of his role on the team.
Despite not having the most stellar statistics (14 completions on 28 attempts for 195 yards), Wilson’s influence in crunch-time scenarios remains undeniable. His experience is melding well with younger players like Williams, who made the pivotal catch for the game-winning score, something they had practiced but had not executed until this game.
Wilsons’ approach during high-pressure situations is refreshing, instilling confidence within the team. Each huddle moment strengthens his rapport with teammates. He genuinely wants his teammates to succeed, illustrating this when he instructed Williams on the route he wanted to run, marking the trust he has placed even on relatively new additions to the team. “I just tried to give him a chance and let him do his thing,” Wilson remarked after the game, emphasizing the connection formed through practice and game experience.
This is even more promising considering the upcoming match against their fierce rivals, the Baltimore Ravens—something Wilson has yet to accomplish successfully with the Steelers. A victory versus the Ravens could solidify Wilson’s position as the leader the Steelers need, and more significantly, it could quell any remaining skepticism about his capabilities. After this stunning turnaround from early skepticism to current admiration, many are holding their breath to see how far Wilson can take the Steelers this season.
The stakes seem high as they gear up for this divisional rivalry. Fans are hopeful, and Wilson himself is exuding confidence. He reminds everyone, “Excellence is built daily,” signaling his commitment to the process and the belief in trusting his teammates.
Overall, what stands out about Russell Wilson’s time with the Steelers so far is the unexpected blend of vet leadership, adaptability, and the sheer talent he still brings to the table. Each game not only reveals his strengths but also rekindles the belief from fans and analysts alike. Whether it’s clutch throws or inspiring huddles, Wilson is showing he’s more than just surviving—he’s thriving, and the Steelers are benefitting from it.
This season, Russell Wilson is proving once more why he’s not the washed-up quarterback critics thought he was, but rather, a renewed asset who is gearing up to lead the Steelers to new heights.