Russell Wilson has been in inspired form since taking over as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback, leading the team to wins over the New York Jets and New York Giants
Russell Wilson has been in inspired form since taking over as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback, leading the team to wins over the New York Jets and New York Giants Russell Wilson has been in inspired form since taking over as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback, leading the team to wins over the New York Jets and New York Giants
Former Super Bowl champion Chris Long has eaten his words after Russell Wilson’s impressive stint as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ starting quarterback.
Since stepping in for Justin Fields, Wilson has steered the Steelers to victories against the New York Jets and New York Giants, throwing 36-of-57 for 542 yards and three touchdowns. The 35-year-old has hit his stride, particularly with play-action deep throws to ace receiver George Pickens, adding a new dimension to the Steelers’ attack.
Despite a decent 4-2 NFL record with Fields at the helm, the quarterback’s performance was lacklustre; he managed 1,106 yards, five touchdowns, and an interception through the air, plus 231 yards and five more scores on foot. Yet, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin opted for experience, and Wilson has delivered.
Wilson’s journey has been a rollercoaster since his Denver Broncos days, facing heavy flak post-Seattle Seahawks. Long didn’t shy away from airing his grievances during the offseason. “Russell Wilson is seeing how the other half lives,” Long said.
“He’s not only feeling the unfairness of the NFL, but he’s also feeling the pressure because he’s never had a guy backing him up like this. The minute he doesn’t play well, that stadium, that city’s gonna turn on him.”
But with Wilson’s stellar performances and the Steelers ruling the roost in the AFC North after nine weeks, commentator Long has openly owned up to his misjudgement. He said: “I know I’ve already said this, but I wanted to make sure I said it: this is my public apology tour on one topic, and that’s Russell Wilson.
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“I’ve gotten a lot of things right over the last year. This is one that I didn’t get right. Justin Fields didn’t do quite enough, and [Wilson] might be perfect for what they’re trying to do. He might be perfect for this coordinator. He might be perfect for taking advantage of the shots, the shot opportunities that we didn’t even know were there, the play-action.”
Following a bye in Week 9, Wilson and the Steelers got extra prep time as the seasoned quarterback aims to keep at the top of his game. Kicked off by a calf injury incurred just before training camp and re-tweeted prior to their season opener against the Atlanta Falcons, Wilson had to sit out some early action this 2024 NFL season.
Looking ahead, Wilson and the Steelers are geared up for a face-off with the 7-2 Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium come Sunday, November 10.
Mirror – Sport
