Steelers/NFL
“That’s why I’m Well Compensated”
Mike Tomlin stating facts after the Steelers 37-15 win over the New York Jets when asked about going against his coaching staff and front office on starting Russell Wilson.
The ‘Lone Ranger’ was on cloud nine after this one and you could see the body language for the first time in years. Tomlin believes he finally has a real quarterback and has the look of a coach who believes the trajectory is heading towards this team truly being a top contender this season.
We’ll find out soon enough with the second half schedule. Tomlin, though, has a pep in his step that correlates with the QB decision in the mold of thanks for your contributions ‘Justin’ but this isn’t a development year like 2022 and 2023 with the Kenny Pickett Experiment.
Russell Wilson on Sunday shuddered the QB discussion before time even ran out in the fourth quarter as the Steelers averaged 6.3 yards per play in the victory.
“I thought he was excellent,” Tomlin said of Wilson . “I thought he got better as the game went on. But I’m not surprised by that. It’s been a while since he played some ball, but I thought he settled in, knocked the rust off and distributed the ball around and played well.”
From Wilson it wasn’t just the deep ball/intermediate passing game to go with the command of the offense at the line of scrimmage. It was the body language from the entire offense. Pittsburgh’s best offensively players were finally put in position to be their best players. The jubilant sideline afterwards from George Pickens to Najee Harris was striking.
Key Development? George Pickens was unlocked with 5 catches for 111 yards and a touchdown. Targeted nine times, Pickens drew a deep pass interference call, and he easily could have gone for 150+ yards receiving in this one. Pickens being properly used was a major development Sunday night in that Pickens was unlocked and having fun. Wilson’s ability to attack the Jets defense when the Steelers had favorable 1-on-1 situations from a Pickens or Freiermuth is something Justin Fields just can’t do. Pat Freiermuth was unleashed for a 30-yard reception, while Calvin Austin also hauled in a 36-yard reception in the middle of the field off play-action. Wilson’s ability in the passing game led to the Steelers gashing the Jets on the ground in the second half as Pittsburgh rushed for 108 of their 149 rushing yards in the second half.
Najee Harris had a breakout second half once again, finishing with 102 yards on 21 carries, a long run of 34 yards that was capped off with a 10-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. Jaylen Warren was another X-factor for first time this season. 44 yards on 12 carries and added 15 yards receiving with a nifty third down conversion for 11 yards.
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