The Pittsburgh Steelers fought back big time to beat the Washington Commanders 28-27 in Week 10. Moving to 7-2 on the season, the Steelers continued their win streak with Russell Wilson as their starting quarterback. This game, however, proved to be more challenging for Wilson than his previous two starts. Facing relentless pressure and falling behind in the second half, Wilson managed to rally his teammates, inspiring them to believe in a comeback victory.
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Pittsburgh Steelers' Head Coach Mike Tomlin and QB Russell Wilson during the Commanders game in Week 10, 2024.
When the Steelers acquired Wilson after his challenging two-year stint with the Denver Broncos, questions swirled around his ability to regain his former Pro Bowl form. Critics doubted he had much left to offer, but his impressive performance with the Steelers has been a pleasant surprise. Many who watched Wilson struggle in Denver are now seeing a rejuvenated version of him in Pittsburgh, where his leadership and veteran experience have been pivotal.
After the game, Wilson addressed the media. He was asked about the excellence of both the Steelers and the Seattle Seahawks organizations—the Seahawks being the team where he became a star for over a decade. Wilson responded thoughtfully, but noticeably left Denver out of his remarks, subtly hinting at what may have contributed to his struggles there.
"I think obviously this organization is one of the best to ever do it," Wilson said. "Obviously, in Seattle we were able to win for those 10 years there. It’s all about the people. When you have great people, great coaching. Obviously, in Seattle it was Coach Carroll and what he was able to do and the culture he was able to build."
It’s no surprise Wilson avoided mentioning the Broncos. Head Coach Sean Payton frequently made Wilson the scapegoat for the team’s struggles, and by the end of the 2023 season, Payton reportedly felt Wilson’s performance was so poor he was willing for the Broncos to pay millions just to ship him away.
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Former Denver Broncos QB Russell Wilson looks on before a home game.
Wilson is clearly grateful to have found a more positive situation with the Steelers.
"Obviously here, Coach Tomlin has done it for 17-plus years," Wilson said. "There’s only been I don’t know like three coaches or something like that. That’s history in itself. Coach Tomlin is leading the way, Art Rooney [II] does a tremendous job. Omar [Khan], I love the confidence that he has in all of us. Obviously he made a big move to get big Mike and Preston also."
The Steelers made a bold move at the trade deadline, acquiring wide receiver Mike Williams. Wilson connected with Williams on a 32-yard touchdown pass late in the game, giving Pittsburgh the lead. Afterward, Wilson was quick to credit General Manager Omar Khan for making these aggressive deadline moves and for believing in the team’s potential.
Steelers Proving To Be A Perfect Spot For Russell Wilson
Wilson’s remarks touch on something widely recognized in the NFL: situation is everything. Young players often thrive or struggle based on the environment they enter. For Wilson, the Seahawks provided a strong foundation, but his move to Denver placed him in a less ideal setting, where despite his solid individual performances, the team managed only 11 wins in two seasons.
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Steelers' Russell Wilson celebrates after a big score against the Commanders in Week 10 of the 2024 season.
Now, Wilson has found a new home in Pittsburgh. With a fan base that rallies behind him, teammates who play hard for him, and a supportive coaching staff, it feels like an ideal fit. This environment has been key to his early success in Pittsburgh, allowing Wilson to shine once again.
While Wilson would never directly explain the reasons behind his struggles in Denver, it’s easy to read between the lines. The qualities he highlighted make it clear why his start in Pittsburgh has been so much stronger than in Denver.
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