X-Factor? Steelers Season Hinges on Wilson

The equation seems simple: make the playoffs, improve at quarterback, go farther in the playoffs next year.

Unfortunately for the Pittsburgh Steelers , 15 other teams in the AFC attempted to get better this offseason, too. And in a conference getting back healthy quarterbacks in the form of Joe Burrow, Aaron Rodgers, and Anthony Richardson, the road back to the playoffs is incredibly difficult.

Make no mistake, the Steelers did get better at quarterback. That’s a near inevitability after Kenny Pickett’s season, rather than praise for the combination of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, but it’s an upgrade nonetheless.

With Wilson projected to start, fans are left somewhere between the panic of the preseason and the optimism that comes with a passer who can say “been there, done that” about the Super Bowl. Needless to say, Pittsburgh’s hopes of improving rest upon the shoulders of the starting quarterback.

As such, Bleacher Report named Wilson the team’s X-factor for the upcoming season.

“Almost everything is going to hinge on the play of Pittsburgh's new quarterbacks,” Kristopher Knox wrote. “The Steelers had one of the league's better defenses last year to go with a bevy of offensive playmakers. However, they couldn't get consistent quarterback play out of Kenny Pickett or Mason Rudolph, so they've turned to Russell Wilson and Justin Fields.

“While he may not hold the starting job all year, Wilson is widely expected to earn it for Week 1. He's the experienced veteran in the locker room, and he's best suited to be the sort of game-manager that complements the rest of Pittsburgh's roster.”

Wilson struggled in his Steelers debut, completing eight of 10 passes for just 47 yards in a 9-3 loss to the Buffalo Bills.

Fields struggles at times on Saturday, too, allowing Wilson some breathing room in this quarterback competition. But with a quarterback more (physically) talented than Wilson waiting in the wings and capable of opening more of the playbook, his leash will be shorter than it was in Denver.

Related: Are Critics Being Unfair In Blaming QB Justin Fields?

“The Steelers probably won't hesitate to turn to Fields if Wilson struggles, but the hope is that the elder QB can return to Pro Bowl form,” Knox wrote. “If he can come close to that Pittsburgh will be primed to be a serious Super Bowl threat. If he can't, the focus may shift to assessing Fields' long-term value.”

Pittsburgh has found itself, once again, toeing the line of mediocrity. It’ll be on Wilson to make sure the Steelers stay above water and continue playing meaningful football into the winter.