Steelers Mike Tomlin Makes It Official Russell Wilson Wins QB1 Job

Mike Tomlin promised to put Russell Wilson in the pole position to become the Steelers’ starting quarterback in 2024. At the time, he thought he would compete with Kenny Pickett for the job. He was wrong. Omar Khan traded away Kenny Pickett and brought in Justin Fields. Wilson converted pole position into a victory on Wednesday. The Pittsburgh Steelers head coach waved the checkered flag in the 2024 quarterback derby. Wilson will start the season opener for the Steelers on September 8th against the Atlanta Falcons.

Photo byAdrian CurielonUnsplash

Steelers Quarterback “Competition” Ended Before It Began

Tomlin delivered on his alleged promise to Wilson in their first meeting that he would be the starting quarterback if he chose to sign with the Steelers. Wilson was injured on the first day of training camp, opening the door for Justin Fields. Fields’ play touched off a lot of speculation in the national media about who should play quarterback for the Steelers. Locally, it was a poorly kept secret that nothing that occurred while Wilson was injured would influence the depth chart.

Steelers 2024 Outlook Hinges On QB Play

Wilson will be fighting to help restore Tomlin’s reputation. The Steelers have not won a playoff game since beating the Kansas City Chiefs 18-16 in the 2016 AFC Divisional round of the playoffs. Tomlin has lost five consecutive playoff games and has watched the Steelers fall into deep holes early in playoff games. Pittsburgh has given up 36, 45, 48, 42, and 31 points in those five losses. The fan base has been grumbling, and the arguments surrounding the team’s performance under Tomlin in recent years are starting to gain traction.

Wilson lost his starting job after being benched by Sean Payton in 2023. The Broncos are paying Wilson nearly $40m not to play for them this season. The reduced price tag is one of the big reasons that the Steelers were able to secure his services. Pittsburgh needed to make changes in 2024, and bringing in a former Super Bowl champion and nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback should be a net positive.

Wilson posted 26 touchdowns and only eight interceptions in 15 games for the Broncos in 2023. The Steelers quarterbacks combined for 13 touchdowns and nine interceptions last season. Wilson’s skills have eroded over time. One of his harshest critics, Mark Schlereth, points out that he led the NFL in check-down throws while taking a league-high 100 sacks during his tenure in Denver. It would not take much to clear the bar set by Steelers quarterbacks last season, but fans are expecting significantly more with Wilson under center.

Final Thoughts

Tomlin and Wilson are joined at the hip for the upcoming season. The partnership must succeed. It will determine fan perception and whether the Steelers can finally end their playoff drought. The signing was a boom or bust move. Either Wilson will play great and be a spectacular success, or it won’t work at all. Thanks to Khan, Tomlin has a viable alternative in the younger Fields. Here is hoping for both their sakes, that he doesn’t have to turn to it.

What do you think, Total Apex Sports fans? How will the Wilson-Tomlin partnership fair in 2024? Please comment below or on my X: @thebubbasq, and let me know what you think!

For More Great Content

Are you desiring top-tier content that covers everything? From thrilling sports and intoxicating entertainment news to gaming tips and professional betting advice, Total Apex covers it all. Delve into our no-fluff articles to stay ahead of the game with the latest sports action, uncover the hottest trends in entertainment, and get the latest scoops in the gaming industry that will take your experiences to the next level.

Finally, our betting advice will give you a decisive edge over the competition and increase your odds of beating the books. Whether you’re looking to stay updated or gain a competitive edge, Total Apex is your one-stop shop for all things compelling and relevant. Don’t forget we cover Fantasy Sports, too!

Check out all our sites: Total Apex Sports, Total Apex Fantasy Sports, Total Apex Entertainment, Total Apex Sports Bets, and Total Apex Gaming. Out of the ashes of obscurity will rise a beast. Always remember to Respect The Hustle! Follow us on Twitter/X @TotalApexSports to stay informed.

Article originally written by Bob Quinn