Steelers' Russell Wilson Receives Praise From His Teammates For A Forgotten Trait

The Pittsburgh Steelers entered into the 2024 offseason recognizing that they needed a massive change on offense. They had several players who could make a difference, and were planning to continue to build the offensive line for protection, but still lacked the leadership they needed in order to unlock the next phase for the unit. After former Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada lost control of the offense, the team hired Arthur Smith, a former OC and head coach, to take over.

Leadership of an offense takes more than just a coach on the sideline calling plays and educating young players. You also need someone who can command the huddle, and keep everyone's head in the moment when the game is on the line. When the Steelers looked to start over at quarterback, the team prioritized those traits and brought in a former Super Bowl winner in Russell Wilson to lead the charge. 

Despite being limited the majority of training camp with an injured calf, it's hard to deny the impact that Wilson has had in Pittsburgh. Between offseason practices and educating players like Justin Fields during the game on how to improve, Wilson is doing his best to ensure the team as a whole takes that next step forward. Players like wide receiver George Pickens has noticed this impact, as he spoke to the media following the team's final day of camp on Wednesday.

"He's a very good leader. He's more verbal than the other Q's for sure. His enthusiasm is the best thing about him."

Wilson's attitude has been a significant factor in uplifting the expectations of the Steelers in 2024. Not only has it attracted players like Patrick Queen to the Steel City, but it has provided a standard to a level it hasn't been since Ben Roethlisberger wore the Black and Gold. These intangible traits alone make Wilson a polarizing player to keep on the field, even if his physical ability isn't what it was during his career. 

Wilson, who enters into 2024 at the age of 35, knows that the end of a potential Hall of Fame career is getting ever closer. He joined the Steelers this offseason over several other interested parties because he felt as though this organization was best prepared to win a Super Bowl. Wilson has faith in the organization to set him up for success to help him achieve that goal, while Pittsburgh has hope that Wilson can back up his winning attitude on the field.

Steelers' Season Rests In Their Quarterbacks' Hands

For the last few seasons, it has felt as though the Steelers have been a quarterback away from reclaiming their AFC North dominance. They have had the lockdown defense, the superb skill position players, and a Hall of Fame-level Head Coach. They have only needed the signal-caller to get the job done to stand a chance against the Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson's of the league. 2024 feels like a season where that same mantra will ring true. 

This season is important for multiple reasons. Several players will be due for a new contract at the end of the season, and the team will have to decide whether to bring them back and continue the ever going chase for a championship, or elect to shed veteran contracts and establish a short rebuild. The Steelers also must decide the quarterbacks room beyond 2024 when the room all will be eligible for new contracts. 

The situation only gets more difficult when you focus on the on-field product. The Steelers will play the toughest schedule in the NFL, and will likely need to win early and often if they have any chance of making it through the gauntlet of the AFC. The pressure is on for both Wilson and Fields to succeed in 2024 if the Steelers want any hope of going to the playoffs. The conclusion of the quarterback controversy needs to be the answer of whether the Steelers really are just a player away from being the best team in the league once again. 

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