Speaking with the media on Thursday, Jones shared his perspective on what makes this year’s team so much better than the 2023 squad. He pointed to the culture shift within the locker room, with a new focus and energy driving their success. Jones emphasized how much things have changed, noting the team feels more unified and motivated to achieve something special this season.
It’s hard to ignore the impact Wilson has had since joining the Steelers. With his veteran presence and ability to rally the team, Pittsburgh has transformed into a legitimate contender. The energy Jones described isn’t just a feeling—it’s showing up in their dominant play and their position atop the AFC North. For a team that was written off just months ago, the Steelers have turned doubters into believers.
"I honestly feel better, just with the way that the team is," Jones said. "Last year, I feel like we had a good team, everybody just wasn't as connected, just in the locker room, outside the facility. I feel like we do a better job this year of that, just having that bond, everybody having that bond, everybody just sitting and talking and chopping it up."
Jones entered the NFL as a rookie in 2023, using his first year to get his feet wet and observe the team culture. While he recognized that the team was solid, he admits the difference in 2024 is striking.
According to Jones, the team’s chemistry has reached an entirely new level, and much of that can be attributed to Wilson's arrival.
"When Russ [Wilson] got here, every Thursday, we have an offensive dinner," Jones said. "It used to just be an o-line dinner for us, but since Russ been here, it is basically like everybody with the offense. We got receivers there, we got running backs there, we got tight ends there. So it's just little things like that I feel like helped us this year and stood out to me this year from last year."
In 2023, the Steelers lacked a true leader on the offensive side of the ball. While Isaac Seumalo provided veteran presence on the offensive line, the young Kenny Pickett struggled to fully rally the team as its quarterback. That’s not a knock on Pickett—it’s a tough task for any young quarterback navigating a challenging system in just their second year.
Steelers' Russell Wilson Has Changed The Vibes In The Steel City
Enter Wilson, a star quarterback with over a decade of NFL experience. His ability to lead has been nothing short of transformative. Wilson’s leadership has not only elevated the offense but has also been a key factor in the Steelers winning games they might have lost in the past.
Having Wilson at the helm has brought a calming presence to the offense, instilling a sense of confidence and belief in critical moments. His experience and poise have been instrumental in turning the Steelers into a team that consistently rises to the occasion.
It’s evident in countless ways, from players mentioning it in interviews to the energy they bring on the field. This Steelers team undeniably feels different. Winning a playoff game no longer feels like the goal—it’s just the starting point. With a complete roster capable of competing at the highest level, the Steelers are setting their sights on a Super Bowl. At this point, it’s starting to feel like anything less would be a disappointment.
