Pittsburgh Steelers QB Russell Wilson has become accustomed to a hostile spotlight in recent years. From the end of his tenure in Seattle to his recent four-game losing streak, he knows how to weather storms. Former Seahawks teammate Richard Sherman saw it firsthand and doubts the current barrage even hit his ear.
“I don’t think it has any effect on Russell Wilson,” Sherman told Kay Adams with a laugh. Up & Adams program. “I think he’s been in the league long enough to know that you treat two cheaters the same way. You don’t want them praising him or saying he’s the best in the world.” I don’t think he’s listening and reading all of that when he’s trying to replace him. He’s a professional and I think he’ll approach the game the same way.”
When the Broncos released Russell Wilson this offseason, the Steelers pursued him. He was good throughout the offseason, but an injury in training camp made things worse. He had to sit out the first six games of the season after aggravating his calf.
At that point, the Steelers were 4-2 and just about everyone thought Mike Tomlin was insane to take Justin Fields out and start Wilson. But after going 6-1, many began to agree. The only problem is that Wilson and the rest of the team are now in the tank.
The Steelers have lost the last six games 109-57. You’d be hard-pressed to find a category in which they did well. After leading the league in takeaways, they also lost 5-6 in the turnover battle during that span. Russell Wilson had a lot to do with it, losing one fumble (technically two) and throwing two interceptions. One of those interceptions was returned for a touchdown.
Sherman acknowledged that Wilson hasn’t played well, but the Steelers aren’t ready to retire him just yet.
“I don’t know if it’s time to move on to Justin Fields,” he said when asked. “Russell” [Wilson]has plenty of playoff experience. You have to protect the ball. They have to manage it well. It’s not just the quarterback position that’s holding them back. Their defense has to play better. ”
The good news is the Steelers defense played pretty well last game. It’s the offense that has to play better and they’re facing a better defense. In the first place, can the Steelers protect Russell Wilson, including himself? If they can’t rely on ground combat, they need to keep Wilson upright.
One thing we know is that Wilson will exude confidence and positivity. Some, perhaps many, will find it infuriating and even disingenuous. But for better or worse, that’s how he does it. And ignoring both criticism and praise probably isn’t such a bad thing.
