Three Touchdown Performance by Wilson Builds Confindence Within

by Bo Marchionte
Published December 1, 2024, 06:17 PM

Cincinnati, Ohio – For the first time since 2018, the Pittsburgh Steelers broke the 40-point barrier in back-to-back weeks, showcasing their offensive firepower in a thrilling 44-38 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.

“Yeah man to your point,” Najee Harris said postgame. “At times being here. We didn’t really score much points. It would always be low scoring games and struggling a lot. But, you know, I just think that you know when we really come together, and we know what we’re capable of, and we can go far.”

Pittsburgh hasn’t scored above 40-plus points since 2018 when they beat the Carolina Panthers 52-17 the same season that also saw them score 41 points. Since 2018, the Steelers haven’t been able to display the prowess of some of the NFL’s best offenses, until this season. 

Harris once again led the Steelers in rushing. He finished with 16 carries for 75 yards along with a rushing touchdown. Despite getting banged up early in the game, something he joked about was due to his girlfriend’s Thanksgiving desserts, he added six receptions for 54 yards in the division win. 

These games marked a turning point for a team that has long relied on its defense, signaling a resurgence fueled by a veteran quarterback that has been absent since Ben Roethlisberger retired after the conclusion of the 2021 season. 

Under the leadership of head coach Mike Tomlin, now guaranteed another winning season at 9-3, the Steelers have embraced a new offensive identity. Much of that transformation can be credited to Russell Wilson along with Justin Fields, who have combined for 15 touchdown passes in just 13 games—surpassing the entire Steelers quarterback unit’s output from 2023.

“Arthur (Smith) has done a great job of putting us in great situations,” Russell Wilson said after his 414 passing yard performance along with three touchdowns and one lone interception. “All of us are learning the offense and understanding what we got to do.”

Wilson and Fields have both played critical roles in the success of the Steelers 9-2 start. Wilson showcased his veteran poise, throwing beautiful deep passes through the air. An image seldom seen recently when watching the Steelers offense the last couple of years.

“Just his experience and knowledge,” Harris alluded to after the game of what has been so important for Pittsburgh offensively. “Everything with the game and the years he has played. Russ coming in with a lot of experience, and kind of motivates us.”

Wide receiver George Pickens delivered a standout performance, despite drawing the attention of yellow flags for losing his cool. Pickens was one of eight out of 10 receivers on the afternoon who caught passes of 20-plus yards via Wilson. His three-catch performance for 74 yards and his third touchdown of the year.

With the win against Cincinnati, the Steelers have secured Tomlin’s remarkable streak of never having a losing season. Now sitting at 9-3, they’re firmly in control of their playoff destiny, boasting a balanced team capable of competing with anyone in the league.

“Feels great to win a shootout,” T.J. Watt said after the game. “Our offense did a great job of putting up points for us at the end of the day. We were able to create splash (plays) Donte (Jackson) again. Obviously, Herb (Nick Herbig) are guys who are continuing to show up.”

The Steelers defense stymied the Bengals offense just enough to keep them out of a groove and keep the momentum on their side. With four sacks, three fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles along with a scoop and score, Pittsburgh’s defense came up big when they needed to play big.

“Man, I can’t say enough about the efforts from the guys in that locker room,” Mike Tomlin said. “The splash play making continually over the course of 60 minutes. We knew it would be required.”

Tomlin, while happy with the win addressed that despite returning back to Pittsburgh with the win. That life in the National Football League requires constant improvement.

“Obviously, we got some things to clean up,” Tomlin said. “But that’s life in this business. It’s good to do it with a W.”

The Steelers’ offense, once seen as their Achilles’ heel, has become their greatest strength. The combination of Wilson’s veteran presence, and the collective contributions of players like Pickens, Harris, and a rejuvenated offensive line have unlocked potential unseen in Pittsburgh for years.

The rest of the league has been put on notice: the Steelers are back, and this time, they’re as dangerous on offense as they’ve always been on defense. Pittsburgh isn’t just aiming for playoff success they’re positioning themselves as legitimate Super Bowl contenders.

 

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