The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a very talked-about quarterback situation going into the 2024 season. The quarterback room is completely new - with Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, and Kyle Allen joining the team during the 2024 offseason. Wilson and Fields have been battling for the starting job, with Wilson being placed in "pole position" to be the starter. After Wilson exited his debut as a Steeler during Pittsburgh's preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, it was clear he left the door open for Fields.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Russell Wilson walks down to practice at St. Vincent College in 2024.
Pittsburgh fans were anticipating Saturday night's game because it would be the first look the fan base had at Wilson in a game situation. The quarterback played on five drives, but didn't produce much. Pittsburgh failed to score on all of Wilson's possessions, which included a missed field goal by Chris Boswell. Aside from the lack of points Wilson provided, there were other concerning factors from the veteran's play.
Steelers offense through three series:
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) August 17, 2024
- 1 first down
- nine net yards on 11 plays
- .8 yards per play
- Wilson 4/4 for 16 yards, but sacked three times for -21 yards
- Passing: -5 yards, Rushing: 14
Fans probably had some flashbacks to the 2023 season during Wilson's first three drives. The Steelers couldn't seem to do anything offensively, and Wilson had a hard time staying off of the ground as he was sacked three times. This isn't entirely his fault. The offensive line seemed to struggle to contain Buffalo's pass rush, but Wilson failed to throw the ball away or find a check down.
Chaz Palla / TRIB LIVE
Steelers' Justin Fields watches Russell Wilson throw the ball.
Wilson ended his Steelers debut with eight completions in 10 attempts for just 47 yards. He only looked downfield a few times, and mostly threw the ball short. Wilson's best plays were a completion to Van Jefferson over the middle of the field and a deep moon ball he threw to George Pickens down the left sideline. His pass to Pickens was ruled incomplete, but the ball was placed in a spot that allowed Pickens to almost make a play.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Russell Wilson throws a pass during mandatory minicamp in 2024.
Steelers Will Need To See More From Russell Wilson Before Handing Him The Starting Job
Fields was able to close the gap in the starting quarterback race while Wilson was nursing a calf injury at the start of training camp, which certainly puts the pressure on Wilson to perform well during the preseason. It would be hard for Mike Tomlin to hand the starting job to Wilson after what he saw from the quarterback on Saturday night, and the competition should continue into the third and final preseason game.
Pittsburgh will take on the Detroit Lions on August 24th in what will be the last time the team is seen before regular season action. Wilson should be suiting up, and it will be a high pressure environment as the quarterback will need to prove himself.
What did you think of Wilson's debut? Let us know in the comments below!
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