Tomlin happy, but not surprised by Russell Wilson’s play, did not consider change from Justin Fields as ‘switch’
The Pittsburgh Steelers are 7-2 and have received good quarterback play from both Justin Fields and Russell Wilson. However, it is also very clear how Wilson has taken the offense to heights not seen since Ben Roethlisberger was at the helm before the injury.
Since taking over in week seven, Wilson is 3-0 while throwing for 245.6 yards per game and six total touchdowns. With Wilson at quarterback, Pittsburgh averages 30.3 points per game. While it’s only a three-game sample size, it’s still notable considering Pittsburgh has averaged less than 21 points per game over the past three seasons.
On The Mike Tomlin Show, streamed on the Steelers YouTube page, Tomlin was asked by Bob Pompeani if this is what he expected when he made the move from Fields to Wilson.
“I don’t know if I ever thought of it as a switch,” Tomlin countered. “I never changed the depth chart. I was very clear about the pecking order and so on. The media certainly did that, and I understand that part of it. And so Russ has a set of skills that we were aware of before we bought him. He has done nothing other than confirm that. And even dating back to spring. And so I don’t necessarily look at this as a three-week decision, to be completely honest with you, but just a reflection of who he is and our knowledge of who he is.
Wilson has done a good job as a 13-year veteran of being in complete control of the offense and taking what the defense gives him. Wilson has also been able to get the most out of the receiving corps, with WR George Pickens having perhaps the best stretch of his career, catching 14 passes for 276 yards and two touchdowns. With Wilson at quarterback, Pickens is averaging 92 yards per game as the connection has elevated the Steelers’ passing game.
The deep passing threat was evident as Wilson used his signature ‘moon ball’. He has showcased it to great effect every week, allowing the Steelers offense to pick up chunk play after chunk play and demoralize opposing defenses. It has also helped put points on the board, as the Steelers now get into scoring range more often due to Wilson’s deep ball.
There’s still a lot of season left, but Wilson makes Tomlin look like a genius week after week as he sticks with him despite Fields’ good play early in the year. Wilson has turned back the clock and transformed the Steelers from playoff hopefuls to a team that looks like a playoff lock and hopeful of winning at least one game in the playoffs.
