How Pittsburgh Can Revive Russell Wilson's Career

NFL quarterbacks are often the first to blame for a team's failure. In particular, Russell Wilson is no stranger to scrutiny as he seemingly attracted negativity in the last few seasons.

Now, Wilson is looking to get his career back on track with the Pittsburgh Steelers and it is quite possible thanks to what the franchise has to offer. Let's dive and discuss just how Wilson can turn things around.

The Russ Show Is Back

The Russell Wilson experience did not pan out in Denver, plain and simple.  As we all saw, it was a disaster in Denver from the beginning. Even after Sean Payton was signed to partner with Wilson, nothing changed. To make matters worse, the injury bug hurt the offense around him and his offensive line was atrocious during his time there. As a result, Wilson led the league in sacks in back-to-back seasons, and every week it seemed like he was running for his life.

Ultimately, it was just not a good fit and in the end, the coaching staff and the team around him lost trust in him. The break-up could not of happened any faster with both parties eager to move on. For Denver, they are still responsible for Wilson's 30 million dollar cap hit this season, thanks to their hefty contract agreement in 2021.

An Improved Supporting Cast

From a team perspective, Wilson has got weapons again. For starters, if George Pickens cleans up his attitude, he could be a great deep threat in the NFL. The league saw the production that Wilson had with DK Metcalf and you can expect the same to happen with Pickens, over time. Additionally, rookie Roman Wilson and the combination of veteran presence (Van Jefferson and Scott Miller) only enhances Wilson's options.

Furthermore, tight ends Pat Freiermuth and Darrell Washington will also be great options over the middle. Each brings a certain skill set to the team and can make Wilson's life easier.

Wilson's mobility is limited at his age therefore his go-to play-action passing attack is likely behind him. Luckily, Wilson has a pair of bruising running backs behind him, that could bail him out on most possessions. Specifically, Najee Harris is a big-back who is not afraid of contact and Jaylen Warren's role is growing within the offense.

First-year offensive coordinator Arthur Smith prioritizes the run game, which will also protect Wilson from overly trying to make plays himself.

Defense Saves

On the other side of the ball, Pittsburgh's defense is a huge upgrade from where Wilson came from in Denver. Ranked sixth in the league in scoring defense and in the top 15 in both passing and rushing defense (2023), Pittsburgh's defense can be the difference maker most weeks. As a result, Wilson and the offense will not have their backs against the wall as often.

From a coaching standpoint, Wilson will partner up with future hall-of-famer Coach Mike Tomlin. Tomlin, who has yet to have a losing season as a head coach, is a great coach to have if you are a veteran quarterback. Steelers-legend Ben Roethlisberger had great longevity and was still effective as he aged, to the credit of Tomlin's impact. Wilson could have the same luck.

QB 1

In terms of job security, it is believed that Wilson is the team's starting QB to start the season. Ex-Chicago Bear Justin Fields was also brought in to battle Wilson for the starting job. However, reports swirl that Fields is not having the best training camp, only widening the gap between him and Wilson.

Ultimately, Wilson is not who he once was, but the Steelers do not need him to be. Wilson is a far bigger upgrade than what the team has had in the past and that alone is enough validation to be hopeful for Wilson this season. The situation in Pittsburgh is fantastic for Wilson at this stage of his career and a bounce-back season seems quite possible.

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