The Pittsburgh Steelers have now gone since the 2017 season without a playoff win. Most recently, Pittsburgh went down 21 points early in a 2023 Wild Card Round against the Buffalo Bills and came back to cut it close. Still, without TJ Watt on the field, the team was unable to overcome the large deficit and lost its fourth playoff matchup in a row. The Steelers brought in Russell Wilson in hopes of ending the dreadful drought, which puts a lot of pressure on the quarterback.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' quarterback Russell Wilson at OTAs during the offseason.
After what has been considered an ugly two seasons with the Denver Broncos, Wilson looks to redeem himself with the Steelers. If all fails in the black and gold, the former Super Bowl champion may never get another shot. To make things even more difficult for Wilson, he has an antsy backup in Justin Fields who is dying to get onto the field. Even though Mike Tomlin reported that Wilson is in "pole position" as the starting quarterback, the media can't seem to stop debating the topic.
During a segment on NFL on ESPN, the analysts discussed the quarterback competition and the position Wilson is in. Herm Edwards explained how Wilson is expected to go into Pittsburgh to win games and to end an embarrassing playoff losing streak.
"This team has a lot of pressure on it, when you think about the Pittsburgh Steelers," Edwards said. "They've had a drought, and the last time they were in the playoffs, they've been zero and four. Russell Wilson has a big mantle to carry. I mean, he knows 'I've got to go there and win games, especially playoff games, 'cause we haven't been very good.'"
It sounds like that is the big emphasis in the Steelers' locker room this season, and that everyone is sick of just having a winning record. Edwards connects the Steelers to the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics, considering the Steelers are arguably the most historic franchise in all of football.
AP
Steelers' Russell Wilson talking with new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.
Pittsburgh is expected to have a great offensive game plan for Wilson with Arthur Smith. All of the players are hopefully bought into his new offense, and Wilson says he feels the "fountain of youth". This is a massive year for Wilson, and if he wants to win another Super Bowl, it's now or never. Acrisure Stadium will quickly begin the Fields chants if he's not getting the job done.
Steelers insider Brooke Pryor also quickly mentions during this segment that Wilson isn't just in pole position for the QB job, but he's also in a great spot in the locker room. Apparently Wilson has Ben Roethlisberger's old legendary locker with Fields right next to him.
Steelers' Justin Fields Still Continuing To Improve As A Passer
The knocks about Fields' passing abilities have surfaced in some ways so far during his time at practice. Fields has been harshly critiqued over his three year career about his ability to throw accurately on a consistent basis. There's never been a doubt about this ability to burst off an 80 yard run, or to launch a deep one. The Steelers likely weren't too concerned about this, which is why they brought him in to learn from Wilson.
Sebastian Foltz / Post-Gazette
Steelers' quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields at OTAs.
Whether Fields is truly struggling or not, he can't be any worse than what the Steelers have had the last few seasons. Pittsburgh can live with a few missed passes if he's making game changing plays with his legs. Whoever is on the field for the black and gold, they need to win games, as Edwards said. The Steelers just gave Tomlin a three year extension, and they wouldn't want to waste the first year on another first round exit, or even worse, missing the playoffs entirely.
What do you think? Will Wilson be able to handle the pressure as he looks to resurrect his own career and the Steelers franchise? How will Fields progress as a passer as we get closer to August? Let us know in the comments below.
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