Steelers' Russell Wilson Believes Team Much Search For Great Starts

The Pittsburgh Steelers are on a downward spiral after a three-game losing streak. While they had a brutal schedule, they played poorly in all three contests. They started off slow in all three contests, then repeatedly shot themselves in the foot when they attempted a comeback. Pittsburgh started off this stretch with a two-game cushion in the AFC North, along with tiebreaker over the Baltimore Ravens. Now, they have to hope that the Ravens lose if they want to claim the division title and a home playoff game. 

During his postgame press conference, Russell Wilson was asked about how they usually start games behind and if that was the main reason for the Steelers' recent failures. Wilson talked about it and agreed with that idea overall.

"I think [losing early] is a huge part to it. We got to start early in the games and get the first first down, then get the next play, and make the next thing happen. Hopefully, you'll have a touchdown drive on the first drive of the game. It's really critical. It doesn't define the game, though, but it definitely helps. I think what's really important for us is to continue to search for that, continue to find ways to get first downs, touchdowns early in the game, especially in the first drive or two. That would be huge."

The Steelers opened up their game against the Kansas City Chiefs with eight plays for one total yard on the first two drives, which included two sacks a fumble by Wilson that he recovered. They finally started moving the ball on their third drive, but a brutal holding penalty was followed by a terrible red zone interception. 

Steelers Have Much More Than Just A Slow Start Problem

While the slow start hurt, that is nothing compared to the second half of the game. The Steelers scored a field goal on their first drive in the second half, then got blown out the rest of the way. Sure, they finished with 364 total yards, but 80 of them came on a final drive where they were stat-padding against the Chiefs' backup defense, and they still failed to score on that. 

The Steelers have had a very noticeable trend over their three-game losing streak. That start games off slow, play well in the second quarter to make the game close, then seemingly forget how to play football in the final half. 27 of their 40 total points have come right before halftime. 10 more points come shortly after halftime. 

The Steelers have scored a combined three points in the opening and closing quarters of each game during their losing streak. Even though the defense has also played terribly, the offense has not done them any favors. What playoff team wins games by only playing consistently well right before halftime? 

Before this stretch, Wilson was seen as a guy that could maybe earn himself a Baker Mayfield-type contract, which would have been a very fair compromise for both team and player. After this stretch of games, Steeler Nation is slowly starting to call for the return of Justin Fields, as Wilson's future is in serious jeopardy at the moment.

Wilson would have to at least win in the Wild Card round if he wants to earn a significant payday in 2025. The NFL operates under the mindset of "what have you done for me lately?" Wilson had a great start, but lately, he has played terribly. Only the playoffs can save him now.

If he can't produce then, he may have to settle for another one-year prove-it deal, whether it's with the Steelers or another team. Even if he stays in Pittsburgh, there's always the chance that the team drafts a quarterback that they hope is their future. If Wilson doesn't get back to his form from around the bye week, he better start looking over his shoulder.

What do you think about Wilson acknowledging the slow starts that the Steelers have been dealing with as of late? Let us know in the comments.

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