Wilson Provides More Than Just a Victory
by Bo Marchionte
Published October 21, 2024, 01:37 AM
Pittsburgh, PA – Sunday Night Football and the Secret Service. Acrisure Stadium had it all when the Steelers hosted the New York Jets. Former President and Republican candidate Donald Trump helped tighten up security, but it didn’t help the Jets tighten up the defense.
The Steelers’ offense showed new life with Russell Wilson under center in a commanding 37-15 win over the Jets. Despite a shaky start, Wilson settled in and accounted for three total touchdowns, helping Pittsburgh come back from an early deficit.
“Man, nothing like primetime football at Acrisure (Stadium) man,” Mike Tomlin said after the win. “I’m just appreciative of the atmosphere and the quality of play.”
It hovers in my cranium as the most significant win since Ben Roethlisberger retired. The benching of Justin Fields undeniably helped lead the Steelers to a 4-2 record while Wilson recovered from a calf injury.
The boo-birds were out early. Wilson did struggle early as the offense resembled what we’ve seen since Roethlisberger’s final year. A dysfunctional unit without of an offensive identity.
After not playing since December 2023, Wilson made an impressive debut for the Steelers on prime-time television, leading them to a dominant win over the Jets. Despite the long layoff, Wilson looked sharp and composed, throwing for 264 yards and accounting for three touchdowns.
His ability to adapt quickly to a new team and perform under the bright lights silenced doubts about his readiness, showing he still has the skills to lead a successful offense. While the Jets are a raging dumpster fire the one thing, they could hang their hat on was their defense.
“I mean, I don’t even really know,” Steelers linebacker Elandon Robert said after the game while slipping on a pair of black Nikes. “We just went out there and played within our defense. They passed a lot tonight and more than we expected.”
The Jets passing got off the ground early but failed to reach the heights necessary to compete. Aaron Rodgers looked horrible with batted down balls, ill-advised passes and being the conduit for much of the offensive dismay New York dealt with for four quarters against the Steelers defense.
The defense was also impressive, with Beanie Bishop Jr. grabbing two interceptions to stifle the Jets’ offense. Pittsburgh’s balanced attack and opportunistic defense reflected a cohesive effort, suggesting the team is hitting its stride.
“Can’t say enough about Beanie Bishop,” Tomlin said after the win. “Man, that’s an awesome evening. For him to get his first two interceptions, versus a gold jacket, a guy like Aaron Rodgers. Man, we’re just appreciative of the work that was done tonight.”
I went back to look at the last two seasons of finishing 9-8 and 10-7 and feel tonight’s win was the most impressive since Roethlisberger’s retirement. For two years the Steelers played zero offense while the defense made splash plays.
With Wilson under center the residue of his experience and leadership rose to the occasion. While Tomlin dismissed the notion something special might have happened tonight, I myself sensed the players in the locker room felt unequivocally satisfied with the 13-years veteran presence on the field.
“I think it’s the best two weeks I remember putting up back-to-back 30-point games,” tight end Pat Freiermuth said after the game. “It was great.”
Freiermuth knows the feeling of playing with an elite quarterback. Tonight, doesn’t warrant Wilson to be the MVP of the league, but in my mind, it is a pivotal moment that can dramatically alter a team’s trajectory by bringing leadership, confidence, and game-changing abilities.
George Pickens had over 100 receiving yards which helped propel the hard-nosed running style of Najee Harris to slash the stout Jets defense for over 100 yards rushing. Pickens was the first receiver all season to go beyond the century mark against the New York defensive unit.
In high-pressure situations, such players inspire those around them, shift momentum, and unlock untapped potential within the team. For the Steelers, Wilson’s debut in a prime time win over the Jets exemplified this impact.
His poise, performance, and leadership immediately uplifted the offense, signaling a new chapter for the team. These moments build belief, galvanize the roster, and can propel a franchise toward sustained success.
Tomlin’s final question posed to him at the podium was this – Coach, was that one of your boldest decisions to go with three?
“That’s why I’m well compensated,” Tomlin joked before exiting the podium.
Well, played sir. Well, played.
Photo Credit Frank Hyatt/College2Pro.com
