Russell Wilson has high hopes for the 2024 Pittsburgh Steelers. He believes another newcomer to Pittsburgh shares his perspective.
Russell Wilson has had a wild offseason. The veteran QB was cut from the Denver Broncos and eventually signed with the Steelers on a veteran minimum contract. Just a few weeks later, the Steelers traded for Bears QB Justin Fields. It's fair to say that Russell Wilson has a lot to prove in 2024. He has that in common with another new face in Pittsburgh, offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.
Wilson spoke with the media on Tuesday after Pittsburgh's first session of OTAs and spoke on his new OC. Wilson believes he will have a lot of input into the offense and the opportunity to collaborate with Smith. He said that they both have something to prove with the Steelers.
“Yeah, I think a lot. I think that obviously, Coach Arthur Smith and I, we share a lot of the similarities, a lot of experiences, a lot to prove, a lot to show, a lot to do, a lot to accomplish. He's got big desires. I do, too,” Wilson said in a video on Pittsburgh's YouTube page. “We do, too, as a team. We're all in this thing together.”
Wilson seems to think that having input into the offensive scheme could help him succeed in Pittsburgh.
“So, knowledge is everything,” Wilson said. “To be able to understand what we're trying to do, how we're trying to get there and do it the best way and the most efficient way possible.”
Wilson could be on to something here. Lions QB Jared Goff sat down with offensive coordinator Ben Johnson before the 2022 NFL season and designed Detroit's offensive scheme together. Their success is just one example of why it is beneficial to give a quarterback input into their offense.
Previewing the 2024 Pittsburgh Steelers offense
2024 will be a big year for Russell Wilson, Arthur Smith, and the rest of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Their defense should be as solid as ever. The question that may determine their season is how quickly can the Steelers find a new identity on offense?
It all starts with the QB battle. Russell Wilson is starting the offseason program in pole position with Justin Fields hot on his heels. Wilson is the safe bet to win the job, at least for Week 1. He has the NFL experience needed to woo the coaching staff and an ambition to collaborate with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Wilson will have to play some of his best ball if he wants to hold off Fields.
The running back room returns last year's starters in Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. Pittsburgh did not pick up Harris' fifth-year option, so it will be interesting to see if the priority shifts towards Jaylen Warren in 2024. Regardless, the Steelers have the horses needed to run the ball.
Roman Wilson will replace Diontae Johnson at wide receiver, but otherwise this position group remains the same at the top. The Steelers have brought in several veterans to compete for depth spots, which should insulate the team from injuries during the regular season.
Finally, the offensive line could be the most impactful position group on offense. Pittsburgh is projected to start three rookies on the left side of the offensive line. This is an incredible long-term position to be in, but the question is how quickly can these new players gel together and form a cohesive unit?
The Steelers could be a frisky team in the AFC North if they get strong play out of their offense, particularly that offensive line.
