Russell Wilson has officially been named the starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ Week 1 game against the Atlanta Falcons. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin made the announcement on Wednesday, deciding to end the suspense earlier than initially planned.
Tomlin’s decision came after Wilson’s performance in the preseason finale, where he played one series and drove the team to a touchdown. This was a significant improvement from his earlier preseason games, where he struggled to find the end zone. Despite Wilson’s underwhelming performances with the Denver Broncos over the past two seasons, the Steelers are optimistic that his fresh start in Pittsburgh will lead to better results.
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Wilson, who signed a one-year contract with the Steelers after being released by the Broncos, completed 10 of 12 passes for 73 yards during the 2024 preseason. He didn’t record any touchdowns or interceptions, but his efficiency during the games helped him secure the starting role.
Wilson clinches starting quarterback spot for Steelers’ first game
Throughout training camp, Wilson faced competition from former Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields. Tomlin had hinted that Wilson had the edge, stating, “I just thought it was appropriate to name a starting quarterback at this time. Doing it earlier might have de-emphasized the development work we achieved.”
Tomlin also acknowledged the strong performances of both Wilson and Fields, praising their professionalism and play. He described the decision to name Wilson as the starter as “difficult in a positive way,” reflecting the competitive nature of the camp.
Last season, Wilson threw for more than 3,000 yards and 26 touchdowns. Over his 12-year NFL career, he has accumulated 43,653 passing yards, 334 touchdowns, and 106 interceptions. Additionally, Wilson led the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl XLVIII victory in 2013.
With the starting role now secured, Wilson is poised to turn his recent struggles around and make a significant impact with the Steelers. The team and its fans are hopeful that Wilson’s experience and talent will help lead them to a successful season.
But fans are divided, with some thinking that Fields would have been a better option:
