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Four Key Areas of Focus for Steelers' Russell Wilson in Preseason Debut
By Austin Givan,
11 hours ago
The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for an exciting preseason Week 2 matchup as Russell Wilson , their high-profile free-agent acquisition, is set to make his debut. After missing the first exhibition game due to a calf injury, Wilson will take the field against the Buffalo Bills' first-team defense.
This outing will be crucial for Wilson, offering a valuable opportunity to establish his readiness for the regular season.
Here's what the Steelers will be watching closely during his debut. ...
First and foremost, the Steelers need to see that Wilson is fully recovered from his calf injury . His mobility in and out of the pocket will be under scrutiny, as the team wants to ensure that he can move effectively without risking re-injury. A clean bill of health is essential for Wilson to lead the offense effectively.
Another critical aspect is Wilson's ability to operate the offense smoothly. In the previous game, Justin Fields and the first-team offense struggled with sloppy execution, including two botched center-quarterback exchanges. Whether Wilson is working with rookie Zach Frazier or another center, clean snaps and command of the offense are non-negotiable. Avoiding turnovers and delay-of-game penalties will be key indicators of his readiness.
Chemistry with his pass-catchers will also be a focal point. With limited time spent on the field with his top targets— George Pickens , Van Jefferson , Calvin Austin , and Pat Freiermuth —Wilson needs to demonstrate trust and effective communication. A seamless connection with his receivers will be vital as the season approaches.
The Steelers are looking for Wilson to lead at least one touchdown drive during his time on the field. Head coach Mike Tomlin has indicated that the first-team offense could see up to four series, depending on how the game progresses. A touchdown drive would solidify Wilson's standing and provide confidence heading into the season opener.
Finally, Wilson needs to leave no doubt about his position as the starting quarterback. While Tomlin has maintained that the competition between Wilson and Fields is ongoing, the expectation is for Wilson to outperform his counterpart and secure his role as the starter. A solid performance against the Bills will likely cement his place under center for Week 1.
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