Steelers manager Mike Tomlin's decision to use Russell Wilson as the team's starting quarterback and bench Justin Fields has been questionable all week, and some have been outright against it.
And when Wilson got off to a slow start Sunday against the Jets, boos and chants for Fields could be heard at Acresure Stadium.
“I really believe in being neutral,” Wilson said. “Not too high, not too low.”
In the end, Wilson captivated the crowd and likely swayed Tomlin's decision by throwing for 264 yards and three touchdowns in a 37-15 victory over the Jets on “Sunday Night Football.” Made it seem reasonable. Wilson completed 16 of 29 passes and consistently challenged the Jets on downfield throws.
“It felt like playoff baseball,” Wilson said. “I started 0-for-2, but I had a feeling it was going to get hot. I kept telling my coach, 'Hey, it's going to get hot in here,' and sure enough, it did. Our guys did a great job up front, giving us enough time to make our throws, guys making plays on the field and everything else. ”
Wilson is looking to revive his career after stints with the Seahawks and Broncos ended in disastrous terms, and Sunday was a solid first step.
Although many thought the Steelers should have kept Fields, who led the team to a 4-2 start and avoided turnovers, Tomlin reportedly selected Wilson as a “long ranger.”
Fields is one of the NFL's elite quarterbacks, but he's not a great thrower. Wilson is a long way from his Super Bowl winning days, but he offers an upgrade in that category.
The Steelers made just two field goals on their first six possessions — as mentioned multiple times after the game, Wilson started 0-for-2 — but the defense made a sloppy effort late in the first half. Wilson's night changed when he intercepted Aaron Rodgers for the first time. The Jets lead 15-6.
Helped by a 29-yard pass interference from Sauce Gardner, Wilson orchestrated a four-play, 54-yard scoring drive that culminated with an 11-yard touchdown strike to George Pickens with 27 seconds left in the first half. did.
“I thought, 'There's going to be a lot more of this,'” Wilson said. Per ESPN.
The Steelers then scored on all four drives of the second half, with Wilson sneaking a 1-yard score to make it 23-15 and Van Jefferson scoring from 4 yards out to go up 30-15.
The Steelers will host the Giants on Monday Night Football in Week 8, giving Wilson a chance to beat both New York teams in consecutive weeks.
“This was my first home and everything else about it was special,” Wilson said on the broadcast. “We can do a lot together. I think the biggest thing is that we left a lot on the table. There's still a lot to pick up. We understand that. I believe in that, so I'm going to keep improving. Another win.”
