The Pittsburgh Steelers have had issues with leadership over recent years, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Kenny Pickett was the only offensive player named as captain in 2023, and he revealed that he was not meant to be the captain at all. Now, Russell Wilson will be expected to be the leader of the offense, especially since he is all but confirmed to be the starting quarterback in Week 1. Wilson has done well so far in the offseason, but his leadership will truly be tested once the season begins and the games matter.
Sebastian Foltz / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers quarterbacks Justin Fields (2) and Russell Wilson (3) during 2024 OTAs.
While making an appearance on the 93.7 The Fan Morning Show, Ray Fittipaldo talked about the state of the Steelers after all the offseason activities have concluded. He talked about Wilson and why he is exactly what the Steelers need for the upcoming season.
"Russell is a vet and he's done this before. He's led really good teams in the league, and I think he's going to do the same for the Steelers. Since he's gotten to town, he has done everything right. Now, we'll see if that continues throughout training camp and in the early portions of the season, but just the way he handles himself, the way he commands a huddle, the way he commands interviews when he does it, he is very purposeful when he speaks... I think he's the undisputed leader of this offense right now, and I think that's the way it should be."
Wilson has had his ups and downs. He won Super Bowl XLVIII, then lost the very next one. He was traded and extended to be the franchise quarterback for the Denver Broncos, then was cut after two tumultuous seasons. He has seen a lot in his long career, and some of his experiences have humbled him.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Russell Wilson at Pittsburgh's voluntary offseason training program in 2024.
Wilson knows that he has to prove himself if he wants to continue starting for teams beyond 2024, and that starts with being a true leader. The Steelers have one of the youngest offenses in football (and definitely the cheapest), so they need someone to look up to. They didn't have that kind of leadership in 2023 until Mason Rudolph took over. Hopefully, they finally have it now.
Of course, Organized Team Activities (OTAs) is not even close to the most meaningful football of the year. Wilson has been a "perfect" leader so far, but he will have to continue to be that leader throughout the 2024 season. Not only will the Steelers have a gauntlet of tough games to end the season, but they will be featured on Hard Knocks in December. Wilson's leadership will be on display for the world to see, whether it's good or bad.
AP
Steelers' Russell Wilson talking with Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith.
What Do The Steelers Expect From Wilson?
While Wilson will not have to carry the offense, he will have to at least play complementary football to support the running game. While the team doesn't currently have the best receiving core, there is still plenty of talent across the board with guys like George Pickens and Pat Freiermuth looking to break out and show off what they have. Wilson won't have to force the ball to them, but he has to be competent enough to feed them when needed.
Even though Wilson is not as spry as he once was, he will be expected to lead the team out of any adversity that may arise. The Steelers won't be in the lead all the time, so Wilson will need to help the team come back from any deficit. If the run game and/or defense struggles, he will have to make up for it and help motivate them to get back on track.
What do you think about Wilson being an amazing leader throughout the offseason? Will it translate to the regular season? Let us know in the comments below.
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