The Pittsburgh Steelers seem to be handing the keys of the offense over from Justin Fields to Russell Wilson, now that he's fully healthy. Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin didn't confirm if Wilson would start against the New York Jets Sunday night, but wide receiver George Pickens told reporters on Friday that Wilson would make his first start of the season. The switch to Wilson is a questionable decision to most fans, although, Wilson's job becomes a whole lot easier with the Jets missing some key defenders this week.
New York's pass defense has been led by a trio of lockdown cornerbacks, including Sauce Gardner, DJ Reed, and Michael Carter II. Carter missed Week 6 for the Jets with a back injury, and he's now gone the entire week without participating, marking him as out for the trip to Pittsburgh.
Reed left the Jets' Monday night loss against the Buffalo Bills early with a groin injury and would not return. Reed has been excellent behind Gardner for the Jets' defense, but his status for Sunday night is up in the air. Reed did not participate in a single practice this week, which in all likelihood will point to him also being sidelined Sunday.
A huge sigh of relief for Wilson and the rest of the offense if the Jets so happen to be without both Carter and Reed. Pittsburgh's passing offense has been nearly non-existent and needs to break out. Pickens will be shadowed by Gardner all game, giving guys like Calvin Austin III, Van Jefferson, and Pat Freiermuth more opportunities to challenge the Jets' defense.
Gardner, who's in his third year now, isn't exactly having the shut down year most Jets fans were anticipating. In just two seasons, Gardner quickly became one of, if not, the best cornerback in all of football. According to Pro Football Focus, Gardner is allowing a passer rating of 117.6, which is 31st in the NFL. Gardner's overall grade for the 2024 season is currently 64.8, 71st out of 186 corners. Pickens may have an opportunity to exploit Gardner and have a breakout game with Wilson Sunday night.
Steelers' Offense Going To Take More Deep Shots Downfield With Russell Wilson At QB
The offense under Fields has been cautiously conservative, which is why most of the fan base is unhappy with the Steelers, despite their winning record. It became evident that Tomlin's game plan for Fields throughout the first six games was to play small ball, not turn the ball over, and let the defense keep them in games. That's gotten them to 4-2, but that's not how to win against elite teams or in the postseason. Pickens hasn't had the year that most expected, and a big part of the conservative approach.
Wilson's presence in the lineup should provide a more open and creative playbook for the offense. A major concern is the protection up front by the offensive line, however. The o-line is banged up with multiple injuries, which could result in a long game for Wilson, considering his mobility isn't what it once was.
Pickens, Austin III, Jefferson, and the rest of the receivers need to take advantage of the injuries the Jets are suffering on defense. If the offense can't produce against a team missing two of their top three corners, then bigger issues lie ahead. If the offense has another slow and disappointing first half, it's possible Fields will trot onto the field to finish the game. Although, knowing Tomlin, he'll give Wilson a long leash on Sunday night.
