The Pittsburgh Steelers head into their bye week with a 6-2 record, and they are currently atop the AFC North as they head into the second half of the season. The Steelers have been in a unique situation to begin the 2024 season as they have two starting-caliber quarterbacks on their roster in Justin Fields and Russell Wilson. Fields began the year at quarterback and led the team to a 4-2 record, but was still replaced by Wilson, who is 2-0 as a starter in the Steel City.
Steelers' Russell Wilson drops back to pass during a Sunday Night Football game against the New York Jets in Week 7.
The offensive unit for the Steelers has looked its best over the last two games that Wilson has started. Drives seem to be staying alive for much longer, the passing game seems to be more efficient, and the running game has really hit its stride. A noticeable difference in the offense has been the increase in production from the wide receivers, including veteran Van Jefferson. Pittsburgh's Wide Receiver's Coach Zach Azzanni was asked about this on Thursday, but he shared that it isn't because of Wilson.
"I don't think it has anything to do with who the quarterback is," Azzanni said. "Van is just very intentful on how he works you know, he's a pro, he is very aware of things he does well and the things he needs to work on and because of that mindset and attitude, you see him improving. Learning the offense every week, we're a little bit better because the offense is a little easier for us because we are another week into it. That's a big deal, so that's why you're seeing his game improve, because of how he works. I mean Mickey Mouse could be the quarterback and you'd see him improve."
After the Steelers had their best offensive performance in Week 7 in what was Wilson's first start, the veteran quarterback was immediately dubbed the reason for the uptick in offensive success. Fields was playing well also, but Wilson brought the offense to another level. Certainly some of the newfound efficiency on offense has to do with the veteran's presence in the huddle, but as Azzanni said, the group is just further into the year.
Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson (11) makes a catch against the Jets in Week 7 of the 2024 season.
Jefferson has had a pair of great games with Wilson throwing him the ball, especially when you look at the receiver's numbers from the beginning of the year. From Week 1 through Week 6, Jefferson had caught just eight passes for 62 yards and no touchdowns. This also included two games with zero catches. In Week 8, his second game with Wilson, the wide receiver caught four passes for 62 yards, matching his total through six games. Jefferson also played well in Week 7, as he caught his first touchdown from Wilson against the New York Jets.
Calvin Austin III has also improved, and George Pickens has increased his production. Azzanni swears this has nothing to do with the new quarterback that is calling the play in the huddle, but that's a little hard to believe.
Steelers' Russell Wilson hands the ball off to Najee Harris in his first start in Pittsburgh.
Steelers' Najee Harris Has Benefitted The Most From Russell Wilson Starting
Pittsburgh's fourth-year running back Najee Harris is in the middle of what is likely the best stretch of his career. He heads into the bye week after recording three straight 100-yard games, which includes two starts from Wilson. It is easy to see how Wilson starting has benefitted the running game.
Opposing defenses now have to respect the passing game a little more, which means they cannot stack the box as much as they used to against Pittsburgh. Wilson is also elite when it comes to operating out of the play-action. This makes the defense second guess whether it is a run or a pass, which is certainly beneficial to the offense.
