Steelers' Russell Wilson Unfairly Criticized For Turnovers In Ravens Game: "Tells You The Heart I Think He Has"

The Pittsburgh Steelers suffered back-to-back ugly losses to above-average teams. Both the Philadelphia Eagles and the Baltimore Ravens were able to get a lead on the Steelers and not let go. Since Russell Wilson took over as quarterback in Week 7, he has managed to right the ship and pull out a win in most of their games, even when they got off to a slow start. Fans were thrilled with Wilson's performances, and many admitted they had been wrong about their concerns when he was signed. 

Steelers fans are a fickle lot, and after two losses, the tables have turned. Many are placing the blame for the loss squarely on Wilson's shoulders as a result of two turnovers he made. The Ravens won the game 34-17, and Wilson completed 22 of 33 attempted passes for 217 yards and two touchdowns. Unfortunately, he also had an interception and a lost fumble. While the interception was terrible, fans seemed most frustrated by the fumble, believing a veteran like Wilson should have known just to slide, rather than try to score. 

Mark Kaboly of The Pat McAfee Show recently spoke with The Fan Morning Show on 93.7 The Fan. He was asked about Wilson and his future in Pittsburgh, especially in light of the most recent games.  

"I know people are killing him for that fumble, killing him for the interception," said Kaboly. "The interception is one thing; it was a terrible throw, and sometimes that happens. Terrible situations, terrible time in the game, terrible throw leads to a touchdown the other way and the end of the game. But if you're going to criticize this guy for trying to score a touchdown on a run play, where he's just looking for an angle to dive into the end zone, what are we doing here? That just tells you the heart I think he has, the ability he has. I still think he played pretty well on Saturday, other than those couple of throws. I know you can't take those away, but those are few and far between this year."

The fumble happened early in the second quarter. The game was tied 7-7, and Wilson was clearly trying to get a spark of life into the offense. He saw an opening and took it, picking up far more than the needed first down. Unfortunately, the ball was knocked loose by Ar'Darius Washington and recovered by Baltimore. The Ravens were able to drive down and score. 

The Steelers were down 31-17 early in the fourth quarter, and Wilson tried to get a pass to MyCole Pruitt; it was intercepted by Marlon Humphrey, who was able to return it for a touchdown. Those 14 points put the game out of reach.   

Steelers' Russell Wilson: A Done Deal For 2025

Kaboly said that, in his opinion, Wilson will be back in 2025 to play in the Steel City. Despite his few hiccups in the past couple of games, he hasn't shown anything that should preclude the team from wanting him back. 

One of the questions about Wilson's return is what he will cost the Steelers. While many have suggested they consider a roughly $30 million annual contract, Kaboly thinks the key is making a respectful offer aligned with Wilson's value.  

"You give him a fair offer. He comes back. He has two more good years, and you move on from there. I think that's pretty much a done deal. Where's Russell gonna go? Does he want to go to Carolina? Does he want to go to the Jets or the Giants? His best chance to win another Super Bowl would be here, and he knows that."

Kaboly feels that with the core of the defense returning and the offensive line improving every year, they just need a veteran quarterback that can guide them. He thinks that quarterback is Wilson. 

Has Wilson's latest performances changed your feelings about him returning in 2025? Click to comment below. 

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