Steelers' Pat Freiermuth Shares The Monumental Changes Russell Wilson Has Brought To Pittsburgh's Offense

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth has enjoyed playing in a new offensive system and playing with Russell Wilson throughout the 2024 season. Steelers fans are also enjoying a 10-3 record and a nice lead in the AFC North race. However, Wilson's impact on the Steelers has been more than just his exceptional play on the field. 

Freiermuth joined Chalk Talk on 102.5 WDVE with Gerry Dulac on Tuesday, where he explained how much the Steelers offense needed Wilson. His leadership has truly uplifted a young and previously struggling offense.

According to Freiermuth, Wilson's leadership has played a key role in getting the Steelers’ young offense to perform at a higher level. Freiermuth explained just how much this young offense needed a leader like Wilson.

"He's [Russell Wilson] always looking forward, thinking of ways to motivate us to get us to play harder," Freiermuth said. "And it works. I think the young guys have really gravitated towards his leadership and his style of leadership. I think we needed Russ and Russ needed us. With the young offense we are, he needed that young guy joking around. Obviously taking it serious, but lighthearted fun and stuff."

Freiermuth is also familiar with Wilson's struggles during his final two seasons with the Denver Broncos. Wilson was on top of the world when he signed a five-year, $242 million deal ahead of the 2022 NFL season. However, his first year in Denver was marred by injury and one of the worst seasons of his career. In 2023, Wilson showed signs of his former self, throwing for 26 touchdowns and 8 interceptions, but wins still proved elusive. He managed just 11 victories across those two seasons, a far cry from the success he had earlier in his career.

Wilson’s fall from future Hall of Fame quarterback to the subject of countless memes was swift and shocking. Many pundits wrote him off, doubting he would ever regain his form. When he was signed to the Steelers, expectations were low, with few anticipating any sort of resurgence. 

Then, just as he was named the starter, Wilson was hit with a calf injury—a setback that only added to his adversity. Yet despite everything, Wilson never wavered. His determination and leadership have been key to his success in Pittsburgh, where he’s once again proving his worth.

Steelers' Russell Wilson Is As Resilient As They Come

The pressure was on Wilson when Mike Tomlin made the bold decision to bench Justin Fields in favor of Wilson, a move that wasn’t well-received by all. The early drives were shaky, and Wilson even got booed by the home crowd. However, he quickly found his rhythm and began to heat up. While Wilson has had some slow starts, he and the offense tend to improve as the game progresses. This ability to adjust and perform as the game goes on gives the Steelers a significant advantage, especially with their dominant defense.

Freiermuth understands the importance of the young players being around Wilson. In Denver, there were rumors that his teammates didn't fully buy into him. But in Pittsburgh, Wilson has the full support of the team—his leadership has earned their trust and respect. The difference in the locker room is clear: while his past struggles in Denver may have sparked doubts, in Pittsburgh, his teammates would run through a brick wall for him. Wilson’s leadership and impact on the offense have been undeniable, and his presence has made Pittsburgh a dangerous team.

With Wilson’s leadership and talent, the Steelers are shaping up to be a formidable playoff contender. Steeler Nation is eagerly anticipating how Wilson’s influence and the offense’s growth will carry them through the postseason. The excitement is palpable as fans look forward to seeing how far this revamped team can go.

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