Steelers' Russell Wilson Criticizes Team's Crushing Penalties In Loss To Eagles: "Unacceptable How We Played"

The Pittsburgh Steelers fell short to Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, dropping the team's record to 10-4. With top target George Pickens being inactive for a second straight week, Russell Wilson and the offense's struggles continued on the road. Along with having no vertical threat downfield, the offense also drew multiple crucial penalties that would prevent it from scoring. After the loss, Wilson was critical of the team's efforts in playing a clean game against the Eagles. 

The Steelers' opening three possessions resulted in three-and-outs, and they were able to come away with a field goal during their fourth drive thanks to a special teams turnover. On that fourth possession, the Steelers were set up on Philadelphia's own 11-yard-line. 

Wilson completed a seven-yard pass to Najee Harris, but it was brought back for unnecessary roughness thanks to Darnell Washington and Calvin Austin III. The offense was then set up 18 yards away from a first down and was forced to take three points to tie the game.

"Yeah, we had too many penalties throughout the game, big ones. Obviously, we had that drive in the red zone," Wilson opened up his post-game press conference with. "You know, both teams are kind of getting after it. They call it on us, get backed out unfortunately. You know, that could have been a touchdown drive for us."

The two teams broke out in a scuffle after Washington blocked Eagles' cornerback Darius Slay through the back of the end zone and into the back wall near the fans. Shoves were thrown by both sides it seemed, but only Washington and Austin were penalized. 

After reflecting on the team's penalties, Wilson continued to hold he and his teammates accountable. Wilson told Pittsburgh reporters that the offense can't continually be in third and long situations. Pittsburgh's starting quarterback gave Philadelphia credit for outplaying them.

"We've got to tip our hats to them. They played way better than us tonight. It's unacceptable how we played. I think we got to be sharper. Obviously, we have a big week coming up. We've got to respond."

Wilson finished the game with 128 passing yards, one touchdown pass, and took two sacks. Pittsburgh's 163 yards of total offense is a season-low for 2024. 

The concern for Pickens' health grows exponentially after such a horrid performance by the offense. The Steelers will be short of a day's work for this week's preparation as they hit the road to face the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday. 

A win over Baltimore would clinch the AFC North title for Pittsburgh, but the offense will surely need their top receiver back to get the win. Pittsburgh's top receiver against Philadelphia was Austin with five catches for 65 yards, including a 31-yard flea-flicker from Wilson. 

Steelers' Head Coach Mike Tomlin Was Not Happy After Poor Coaching Performance 

After the loss, Head Coach Mike Tomlin quickly announced his displeasure with himself and the rest of the coaching staff. Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith was unable to get the offense rolling in any fashion. The Steelers only gained 56 rushing yards and did not have a carry longer than eight yards. Harris had a brutal fumble on a pitch play that seems to get called way too often with such little success. 

The defense also had some major issues stopping Hurts and the passing game. DeVonta Smith and AJ Brown combined for 19 catches, 219 yards, and a score for each. With poor coaching performances and drive-killing penalties, the Steelers were not going to find much success in a place they haven't won a game in nearly 60 years. 

What are your thoughts on Wilson's comments about the team's performance? Will Tomlin and the rest of the coaching staff bounce back with a good plan against Baltimore to win the division? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. 

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