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The Pittsburgh Steelers were widely criticized for their decision to start quarterback Russell Wilson over Justin Fields after the latter’s 4-2 start. Fields was exceeding expectations, Wilson offered less mobility, and Pittsburgh had been fairly successful in the early going, escaping week after week with close victories. It wasn’t close on Sunday night.
Barry Reeger-Imagn Images The Steelers found their easiest win of the season against the New York Jets in Week 7, steamrolling a spiraling team on the way to a 37-15 win in front of the Pittsburgh faithful. The win put the Steelers at 5-2 ahead of a daunting second-half schedule. It also proved head coach Mike Tomlin right.
On Monday, Mark Kaboly spoke on “ The Pat McAfee Show ” about how quickly people are coming around on Wilson. “I would say that at least 90 percent of the Pittsburgh fans, at least in this area ..
. were pro-Justin Fields and anti-Russell Wilson,” Kaboly said. “That’s how much of a gap it was.
They did not want to see Russell Wilson.” All Wilson did in return was have the best game the Steelers have seen this season. Despite a shaky first quarter, Wilson finished completing 16 of 29 passes for 264 yards and two touchdowns.
He was sacked once and committed zero turnovers – precisely the kind of numbers Pittsburgh needed to see from him. Further, he helped get receiver George Pickens the ball and let him do what he does best: making plays at the catch point. Pickens caught five of nine targets for 111 yards and a touchdown, imposing his will downfield and in the red zone.
“It switched. It’s not like it’s anti-Justin Fields now,” Kaboly said. “It’s like OK, I think Russell has brought us to a different level, where maybe we can get to the playoffs and maybe we can win in the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
That could be the overreaction Monday over two or three quarters, but it’s done a pretty 180-[degree] flip. I think people are realizing that Russell Wilson probably gives them the best chance to win right now.” Related: Explosive Plays Define Wilson's Winning Steelers Debut Tomlin was bold to start Wilson given how well Fields had performed.
But he was right, and now the Steelers know what they have in both options under center. Sunday couldn’t have gone any better for a team that is now squarely in the conversation for the top AFC Wild Card spot if not an AFC North title. Sometimes it’s as simple as tipping one’s cap to a coach that has kept the Steelers above water for nearly two decades.
Wilson will get another chance to tighten his grip on the starting job against a bad New York Giants team in Week 8..
