Former Steelers Rival Says Team's 2024 Offensive Game Plan Under Russell Wilson Is "Football For Dummies"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a fairly dormant offense in recent years, but that has seemed to change during the 2024 season, especially after recent victories over the New York Jets and Las Vegas Raiders. Pittsburgh brought in a new offensive coordinator in Arthur Smith ahead of the 2024 campaign and, so far, Smith has made great strides with the unit. Both Justin Fields and Russell Wilson have been successful in the system, but many people still have doubts about Wilson and Pittsburgh's offense.

It was an eyebrow-raising decision when Head Coach Mike Tomlin decided to start Wilson in Pittsburgh's Week 7 matchup with the Jets, especially after Fields led the team to a 4-2 start. It wound up being the correct move, as Wilson led Pittsburgh to their highest point total of the season. The quarterback looked rusty to begin the game, but quickly turned it around as he accounted for three touchdowns in the victory.

During Friday's episode of The Officials Jets Podcast, the hosts were recapping the Week 7 contest and how the Jets look in the current state of the AFC. The hosts shared that they believe there will be many teams fighting for the final two Wild Card spots in the conference. 

This was assuming that teams like the Buffalo Bills, Houston Texans, Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, and the Steelers all earn spots. Bart Scott was a guest on the show, and he didn't agree with the thought that the Steelers were a lock to make the postseason.

"I don't know if I can say Pittsburgh yet." Scott said. "I mean that stuff that I saw from Russell Wilson, they can crown him and say he looks good. A decent defense that sees how they are using him, I watched that, I thought I was watching football for dummies. Like that was a game plan that I would have used back when I was coaching my son."

Scott has always seemed to despise the Steelers. He spent a large chunk of his career with the Ravens where he lost an AFC Championship Game to Pittsburgh, and he then lost another AFC Title Game to the Steelers while he was with the Jets. He is clearly a bit biased when it comes to discussing Pittsburgh, as he has never had a positive thing to say about them.

Steelers Offense Was Simple And Effective In Win Over The Jets

Scott essentially calling Pittsburgh's offense easy to read and simple is understandable. It was Wilson's first start since Week 16 of the 2023 season. He had some rust to shake off and the coaching staff knew that, so they eased him into the game and kept things light for the veteran. Wilson performed well, and the game plan may be more advanced when the Steelers host the New York Giants on Monday Night Football in Week 8.

Aside from some early incompletions and poor throws, Wilson was lights out throwing the football. He continued to give guys like George Pickens opportunities down the field, and it paid off. The quarterback connected on over 55 percent of his throws while being aggressive with the football. He averaged 9.1 yards per attempt, which was a breath of fresh air for fans who have watched Pittsburgh's passing game consist of dump offs and screens in recent years.

Wilson's efficiency and aggressiveness through the air also helped the running game as the Steelers ran for 149 yards in the contest while averaging 4.1 yards per carry.

Wilson may not be the same player he was 10 years ago, but he proved he can still lead his team to victory in dominant fashion. He will look to build on this success against the Giants, who have a vicious pass rush. 

What did you think of Scott's comments on Wilson and the Steelers offense? Let us know in the comments below!

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