Quarterback Russell Wilson of the Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t receive the opportunity to face his former team, the Denver Broncos, during Week 2. He sat out a second straight game because of a calf injury.
But his replacement, quarterback Justin Fields, suggested to reporters after the Steelers defeated the Broncos 13-6 on September 15 that the motivation to beat Denver for personal reasons was still there.
“I think we all know [Russell Wilson] kind of got done dirty last year. I know he wished he could have played today in this game. But it’s awesome, getting that win for him,” Fields told reporters. “He got a petty game ball. It’s great getting a dub for us for sure.”
Fields explained that all three former Broncos players on the Steelers roster received a “petty” game ball. That included Wilson, punter Corliss Waitman and practice squad wide receiver Brandon Johnson.
Without Wilson, the Steelers offense struggled in the second half against the Broncos. But Fields threw his first touchdown pass of the season in the second quarter, and the Steelers defense forced 2 second-half takeaways.
Pittsburgh’s victory was its first on the road against the Broncos since 2009. The Steelers also improved to 2-0 for the first time in four years.
