The Pittsburgh Steelers offense has opened up with Russell Wilson leading the way. Wilson has now won all three of his first three games as a Steeler, throwing for 737 passing yards, six touchdowns, and just one interception. Under his leadership, the offense has shown signs of life not seen in Pittsburgh since the days of Ben Roethlisberger. While comparing Wilson directly to Roethlisberger may seem premature, it's hard to ignore the similarities in how the offense is performing with Wilson at the helm.
Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers QB Russell Wilson celebrates after a big play against the Washington Commanders in Week 10 of the 2024 NFL season.
Wilson's ability to orchestrate a dynamic offense has injected new life into a unit that has struggled in recent years. His poise, accuracy, and decision-making have made a significant difference, allowing the Steelers to showcase an offensive identity that has been lacking for some time. The balance between the passing game and a strong running attack has given the team a well-rounded offensive approach, and Wilson's veteran leadership is evident in every play.
“The first time in several years the Steelers offense is moving”@colincowherd on Russell Wilson’s 3-0 start pic.twitter.com/4u1mZCcBTR
— The Volume (@TheVolumeSports) November 11, 2024
Even Colin Cowherd, a long-time critic of the Steelers, has had to acknowledge Wilson's impact. On his show, The Volume, Cowherd expressed his belief in the Steelers’ potential, crediting Wilson's incredible play for the team's success. While the skepticism around the Steelers remains, Cowherd couldn’t ignore how Wilson has brought a new level of confidence and capability to Pittsburgh’s offense.
"The Steelers are 3-0 with Russell Wilson and averaging about 30 a game," Cowherd said. "I went back and I took Russell Wilson with Pete Carroll in Seattle, Russell Wilson the one year with Sean Payton and Russell Wilson with Mike Tomlin. The three times he has competent coaches and you know what he gives ya? 64% completion percentage, a passer rating over 100, he doesn’t miss any starts."
Many pundits were skeptical of Wilson, and Cowherd was among them. Wilson’s two seasons with the Denver Broncos were marked by struggles, but he bounced back in 2023 with a solid performance, throwing for 26 touchdowns and just eight interceptions. Still, Wilson only won seven games in that season before being forced out by the Broncos.
Fox Sports
Colin Cowherd speaks on his show about the Steelers.
Cowherd even went as far as to compare Wilson’s 2024 play to that of Roethlisberger, acknowledging the quarterback’s resurgence and impact on the Steelers' offense.
"He throws a really nice deep ball and when I watch what he has done to Pittsburgh. It’s a little Big Ben, he’s a totally different player," Cowherd said. "He has brought the deep ball back to the Steelers. So veteran coach, great defense, tough at home, solid run game, good deep ball offense. That’s a really good team."
Steelers Are Winning Because Of Their Offense In 2024
While expectations for the Steelers’ offense were low and there’s still work to be done, it’s clear they can now win games because of their offense, not in spite of it. Wilson has revitalized the passing attack, and that was evident on his 32-yard deep touchdown pass to new wide receiver Mike Williams.
Stephanie Scarbrough / Associated Press
Steelers' Mike Williams celebrates after scoring a touchdown in Week 10 against the Washington Commanders.
Wilson has also unlocked the full potential of George Pickens, the Steelers’ most dynamic offensive weapon. With Wilson’s ability to throw the deep ball, and the downfield threats in Pickens and Williams, Pittsburgh’s offense is beginning to turn heads around the league. They’re even starting to win over their biggest critics, transforming skepticism into belief.
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