The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading into their first divisional game of the season against the Baltimore Ravens. They're currently riding a four-game win streak and three of those wins are coming from Russell Wilson starting. When Head Coach Mike Tomlin made the decision to bench Justin Fields in favor of Wilson, many didn't agree with the choice. With a winning record and changing quarterbacks usually means some type of turmoil will follow. Fortunately for the Steelers, it seems like it was the correct decision and for Tomlin; he believes it is just the beginning for Wilson.
Tomlin talked with the press before the team's Week 11 matchup against the Ravens and was asked about what parts of Wilson's game came to fruition that Tomlin initially expected Wilson to bring to the offense. Tomlin loved the veteran experience, his talent, and wanting to be in the big moment for the Steelers.
"There were myriad of reasons why I had the posture that I had," said Tomlin. "His resume being a component of it, his experience, and I thought his experience could be an asset to our unit and our team, and that's played out. His talents, his appetite for big moments and I think that's played out some, but there's a myriad of reasons and I just think it'll be continually revealed because of the circumstances that he and we will be in."
Tomlin also believes that Wilson still hasn't played at his best yet. He knows that the Steelers' quarterback will continue to improve his game as the season goes along and Arthur Smith will continue to challenge him.
"I'm excited about him quite frankly getting better," said Tomlin. "He has an appetite for getting better. Arthur Smith and those guys have done a really good job in terms of challenging him and getting him better and so there's a get better component of this discussion as well, and one that I'm excited about discovering regarding him."
Wilson signed with the Steelers back in March on a one-year deal, a true prove-it year for the 35 year old quarterback. After a bad two-year stint with the Denver Broncos, he needed an opportunity to show the league that he still has something left in the tank. In his last three games for the Steelers, he has shown that and then some. He has thrown for 737 yards and has a total of seven touchdowns, helping Pittsburgh stay atop of the AFC North.
With most veteran quarterbacks, they tend to stay with what has worked for them in the past, but Tomlin says Wilson wants to get better and learn anything that will help him lead Pittsburgh to wins. Wilson's top goal when he signed to the Steelers is to bring home the seventh Lombardi Trophy and with how his first three games have went, people are starting to believe that he could do it.
The Steelers' offense for the first time since Ben Roethlisberger seems to have a quarterback that can move the ball down the field through the air consistently. In his first three games, Wilson has led the Steelers' offense to average just over 30 points per game and 382.3 yards per game.
Steelers Are Expecting Big Things From Wilson
The offense looks like a threat to score in 2024, whether through the air or in the run game with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. Wilson is exceeding expectations and the Steelers are now turning doubters into believers.
The Steelers' matchup with the Ravens is a great prove-it game for Pittsburgh, not only to put some distance in the divisional race, but to add another impressive win to their resume.
Will Wilson lead the Steelers to a deep playoff push? Do you believe that the Steelers are Super Bowl contenders right now? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
