The Pittsburgh Steelers are now 2-0 in the Russell Wilson era. Wilson has really opened up the passing game, something Justin Fields was inconsistent with in his first six starts this season. Wilson has thrown for 542 yards and three touchdowns in his first two games and just seems to get better. With many people questioning the decision of sitting Fields in favor of Wilson (even though they were 4-2 to start the season), it seems that Wilson is making some of his critics admit that they were wrong about him.
Colin Cowherd is one of the first to admit his mistake. On his YouTube channel, The Colin Cowherd Podcast, he talked about his big takes he had going into the season. While he does start off with the takes that he got right from the Washington Commanders being a playoff team, to the San Francisco 49ers peaking last season and showing flaws this season, he does admit that he was wrong when it comes to the Steelers.
"I think what Mike Tomlin has shown over the course of this season and I'm wrong on this, is that I always felt he was a little toned deaf to offense, but by pivoting off Kenny Pickett, Mason Rudolph, and Justin Fields, who had a winning record, and settling on Russell Wilson, I think it shows that he is more aware than I gave him credit for," said Cowherd.
Cowherd still does not believe that Wilson is good enough to help lead Pittsburgh to a Super Bowl, but agrees that he is the best quarterback option that they have had since Ben Roethlisberger. He even believes that the Steelers can win the AFC North and win more games in their tough stretch that many would have thought (but still thinks the Baltimore Ravens are the favorites).
Mike Tomlin took a gamble on switching quarterbacks midseason, especially with a winning record. It seems to have been the right move to make. The Steelers' offense is averaging 31.5 points with Wilson behind center and 271 through the air, compared to Fields' 184 yards passing on average.
With Wilson at the helm, other receivers not named George Pickens are getting involved in the action. Van Jefferson caught his first touchdown of the year in Week 7 against the New York Jets and had four catches with 62 yards the following week. Calvin Austin III is also reaping the benefits with a breakout game in Week 8 against the New York Giants with three catches for 54 yards and a touchdown -- also adding a 73-yard punt return for a touchdown as well.
The Steelers hope to keep shushing their critics. Heading into the bye week on top of the AFC North and hoping to get a few key pieces back from injury, Pittsburgh is hoping to continue their winning ways in Washington in Week 10. While the offense is moving the ball efficiently down the field, the Steelers hope to use the bye to help end earlier drives in the end zone and not settle for field goals, like they had to in Week 8.
Steelers' Offensive Success Looks To Expand After The Bye Week
With Wilson putting up points for the Steelers and the team possibly looking to make a trade before the deadline to add weapons, the offense looks like they are ready to take another step forward after the bye week. Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith has really changed the offense around, as he has already had two 30+ scoring games this season. The Steelers have been one of the more surprising teams, with not only their stout defense, but their efficient production of the offensive side of the ball.
How far do you think the Steelers will go this season? Will Pittsburgh finally win a playoff game and if so, how many? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
