The Pittsburgh Steelers made waves this offseason with some major moves. Perhaps the most striking was their decision to part ways with the three quarterbacks from the 2023 season and bring in veteran Russell Wilson on a one-year deal at the veteran minimum. They then added Justin Fields via trade, setting up an intriguing competition for the starting quarterback role in 2024.
Pundits have been debating Wilson versus Fields all offseason. Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin has clearly positioned Wilson as the front-runner, though Fields has had the chance to showcase his skills, especially when Wilson was sidelined with a calf injury.
Now that Wilson is back to full health, the quarterback battle is expected to intensify. While Wilson remains the favorite to start in Week 1, former Baltimore Ravens defensive end Chris Canty raised an interesting point on his podcast, Unsportsmanlike. Canty expressed skepticism about whether Wilson's playing style will mesh well with Tomlin's coaching approach.
"What I mean by that is a ball control offense that focuses on the quarterback being able to make the plays in the pass, the short to intermediate passing game as opposed to Russell Wilson trying to throw the ball down the field all the time," Canty said. "So I think like that meticulous style of play on offense where you're matriculating the ball, you know, 8, 10, 12-play drives, as opposed to being a feast or famine offense, which is when we've seen Russell Wilson as his best."
Canty's analysis is rooted in his observations of Wilson's optimal play style. He argues that Wilson thrives in a high-risk, high-reward system, one that favors quick plays and avoids the slow, methodical drives that the Steelers have traditionally employed.
During his time with the Denver Broncos, Wilson struggled to adapt to a new system, leading to a disappointing first season with just 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. However, in 2023, under Sean Payton's guidance, Wilson's performance improved significantly, with 26 touchdowns and only eight interceptions.
The key difference is that Payton, an offensive-minded coach, contrasts sharply with Tomlin's defensive approach. Canty doubts that Wilson's style will mesh well with Tomlin's philosophy, making it challenging for the two to find common ground.
"I don't see Russell Wilson, from a stylistic point of view, being able to play the brand of football that Mike Tomlin wants."
Before his struggles with the Broncos, Wilson was a standout quarterback with the Seattle Seahawks, earning nine Pro Bowl selections and securing a Super Bowl victory. Known for his mobility and mastery of deep throws, Wilson excelled when the game was fast-paced. However, a slower, more methodical offense seemed to hinder his performance.
It will be fascinating to see how Wilson adapts to the Steelers' new offensive scheme, which will be unfamiliar not only to him but also to fans. The Steelers' offense in 2023 was slow and lackluster, prompting the hiring of Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith to address these issues.
Steelers' Russell Wilson Has A Great Chance To Finish His Career On A High Note
With Wilson looking to rebound and prove that his recent struggles with the Broncos were an anomaly, he is eager to end his career on a high note in Pittsburgh. The Steel City has longed for strong quarterback play, and many believe Wilson has the potential to deliver.
While some, like Canty, are skeptical about how Wilson will fit with Tomlin's style, Steelers fans are hopeful. The offense will be shaped by Smith’s vision, and there's confidence that Smith can create a system that will complement Wilson’s strengths.
Canty's sentiment holds some truth but Tomlin appears to know his methods of the past have not worked. That's why he's entrusting Smith with the offense and he should do a solid job of setting up Wilson nicely.
