For the third time this preseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers came up short, falling to the Detroit Lions 24-17 in a road game at the Motor City. However, amidst the loss, there was a glimmer of hope as the Steelers’ first-team offense, led by veteran quarterback Russell Wilson, finally found the end zone.
In a promising drive, Wilson orchestrated a quick five-play march down the field, culminating in a 31-yard rushing touchdown by running back Cordarrelle Patterson. The drive showcased the efficiency and potential of the starting unit, providing a much-needed spark for a team still searching for answers at the quarterback position.
Head coach Mike Tomlin, seemingly satisfied with what he saw, pulled Wilson after the successful drive. The veteran quarterback ended his night with a perfect stat line, completing both of his pass attempts for 26 yards. It was a brief but effective outing, one that raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike.
After the game, Wilson reflected on the drive and the overall performance of the offense. “I thought we did a really good job as a collective effort on offense, how we moved the ball,” Wilson said. “Obviously, George (Pickens) did a great job on that third-and-11 conversion. He ran a great route, and the protection was solid. It was a great team effort. I thought our guys, the ones, did a really good job of getting up and down the field, which is what we wanted. I knew that we were able to do that.”
RELATED: Seattle Seahawks Reportedly Sent Special Gift To Russell Wilson Ahead ’24 Season
Wilson also emphasized the importance of the work they’ve put in during training camp and OTAs, finally seeing it translate onto the field. “We’ve had a really great training camp and OTAs and all that. So, we finally put it on the field under the lights.”
The decision to pull Wilson early in the game was seen by many as a sign that he might have solidified his spot as the starting quarterback. However, Tomlin has yet to officially confirm who will start in Week 1, leaving the door slightly ajar for the ongoing competition. Nonetheless, Wilson’s performance certainly bolstered his case as the frontrunner to lead the team when they face the Atlanta Falcons in the season opener.
Despite the speculation and the pressure of the quarterback battle, Wilson remained focused on the bigger picture. “I’m just focused on being the best teammate I can be, preparing every day, being professional in how we go about that approach,” Wilson explained. “Our room is a talented room. I think the best thing that we’ve done is get better every day. I think that’s the thing that you continue to learn, you continue to grow, and you continue to have that love of the game every day.”
Wilson’s comments reflected his veteran mindset and his commitment to the team’s success. “For me personally, I want to help this team win. We’ve got a mission. We’ve got goals, we’ve got big ones. You take one week at a time and understand that. Hopefully by the end of it all, it’s all worth it.”
As the Steelers inch closer to the regular season, the quarterback situation remains a hot topic. But with Wilson’s strong preseason performance, he has certainly made a compelling case to be the one under center when the games start to count. With the team’s mission clearly in focus, Wilson’s leadership and experience could be exactly what the Steelers need to navigate a challenging season ahead.
