The Pittsburgh Steelers, with Russell Wilson now at the helm, are showing fresh signs of life on offense, sparking new excitement among fans and adding a dynamic edge to their play. Monday night’s 26-18 win over the New York Giants highlighted Wilson’s impact, but it also showcased areas that need improvement if the Steelers are to be serious contenders this season.
Since stepping in as the starting quarterback, Wilson has brought an intensity and precision that Pittsburgh’s offense has long missed. Against the Giants, he demonstrated his trademark ability to connect on deep throws and work the field efficiently, ending the night with 278 passing yards and a touchdown. While his performance is encouraging, the Steelers’ offensive and defensive consistency still requires work.
Wilson’s Big Throws Open Up the Field
In the Steelers’ win over the Giants, Wilson demonstrated the deep-throw prowess that made him a household name. His deep passes to receivers George Pickens, Van Jefferson, and Calvin Austin III showcased his precision and highlighted an area where the Steelers have struggled in recent seasons. Before Wilson’s arrival, the Steelers had only a handful of 20-plus yard pass plays; with Wilson, they’re seeing those plays double in frequency.
Wilson’s ability to diagnose defenses at the line of scrimmage gives the Steelers an advantage they lacked. On Monday, Wilson recognized the Giants’ blitz and immediately adjusted, calling a motion to bring tight end Pat Freiermuth into position to block. The adjustment gave him the time he needed to hit Austin for a 29-yard touchdown pass, a play that energized the crowd and demonstrated his ability to manage the game under pressure.
Challenges in the Red Zone: Turning Yards into Points
While Wilson’s deep-ball accuracy has been impressive, the Steelers’ inability to convert in the red zone remains an issue. Despite racking up over 400 yards for the second game in a row — a feat they hadn’t achieved since 2018 — they went 0-for-4 in the red zone on Monday. Missed opportunities in critical scoring situations kept the Giants within striking distance.
One of the most frustrating moments came early in the game. Wilson hit Pickens with a perfect pass in the end zone, only for it to be called back due to a face mask penalty on Broderick Jones. This penalty encapsulated a broader issue the Steelers face with penalties disrupting momentum. Red zone efficiency will be crucial as they move forward, especially with tougher matchups on the horizon.
Najee Harris: Finding His Rhythm
Running back Najee Harris delivered another strong performance, rushing for 114 yards, marking his third consecutive game over 100 yards. His powerful runs allowed the Steelers to establish a balanced offensive attack, complementing Wilson’s passing game. With Harris finding his groove and Jaylen Warren contributing effectively as a secondary option, the Steelers’ run game is steadily improving. But staying consistent against top-tier defenses will be vital to support Wilson’s high-risk passing style.
Wilson’s Influence Extends Beyond the Field
Wilson’s presence has had an intangible but noticeable impact on his teammates. His leadership is felt both on the field and on the sideline, where he maintains composure and keeps his teammates motivated. “He does a really good job of not letting the emotions of the game dictate how emotions show on the sideline,” said Freiermuth, noting that Wilson keeps the team focused even in tense situations.
One example of Wilson’s influence came late in the game when a fumble gave the Giants a chance to close the gap. Though the error could have shifted momentum, T.J. Watt came through with a game-saving strip-sack on Daniel Jones, and rookie cornerback Beanie Bishop sealed the win with an interception. Wilson’s steady leadership is helping younger players step up in high-pressure situations, something that could pay dividends as the Steelers head into the tougher part of their schedule.
Defensive Strengths and Struggles
The Steelers’ defense continues to be the foundation of their success. T.J. Watt remains one of the most disruptive players in the league, with his strip-sack against the Giants playing a crucial role in securing the win. Watt’s ability to pressure quarterbacks is vital to the Steelers’ success, but the defense has shown vulnerabilities, particularly in run defense and in allowing explosive plays.
The Giants found some success on the ground, with rookie running back Tyrone Tracy rushing for 145 yards. Consistency in defending the run will be critical for Pittsburgh as they prepare to face teams with more established ground games. Additionally, the defense’s occasional lapses in allowing big plays could be costly in tighter games.
Building Depth and Opportunities for Young Receivers
Wilson’s arrival has not only boosted the team’s overall offense but has also given lesser-known receivers like Calvin Austin III and Van Jefferson a platform to shine. Austin’s performance on Monday night, including a punt return for a touchdown and a well-executed receiving touchdown, showcased his potential as a playmaker. Jefferson, too, has become a reliable option, taking advantage of the attention defenses pay to Pickens.
Pickens, who averages over 90 yards per game with Wilson, continues to benefit from Wilson’s accuracy on contested throws, giving the Steelers a dynamic passing threat. The emergence of these receivers has given Pittsburgh a diverse set of offensive weapons, which could be critical as they navigate the more challenging part of their schedule.
Upcoming Challenges on the Path to Playoffs
With a 6-2 record, the Steelers are in a strong position within the AFC North, but the real test lies ahead. After the bye week, they’ll face Washington’s formidable defense led by standout quarterback Jayden Daniels, followed by a tough December stretch against the Eagles, Ravens, and Chiefs. All three teams present unique challenges, and the Steelers will need to be at their best to compete.
The strength of the Steelers’ schedule increases sharply in the coming weeks, and the offensive improvements will need to be matched by consistent execution in the red zone and a disciplined approach to penalties. Red zone efficiency, particularly against playoff-caliber opponents, will be essential in turning field goals into touchdowns.
A Balanced Offense Can Power the Steelers Forward
What’s perhaps most encouraging about the Steelers’ recent performances is the balance in their offense. With a stronger passing game led by Wilson and a reliable ground attack from Harris, the Steelers have evolved from a run-heavy approach to a balanced and multi-dimensional offense that can challenge defenses in a variety of ways.
Wilson’s ability to stretch the field, combined with Harris’s hard-nosed rushing style, has created a new identity for the Steelers. This balanced attack allows them to control the pace of the game and capitalize on matchups, which will be essential as they face tougher defenses in the latter part of the season.
The Road Ahead: Turning Promise into Playoff Success
As the Steelers head into their bye week, they have every reason to feel optimistic about their chances. Wilson’s arrival has raised the team’s ceiling, giving Pittsburgh an offense that can keep pace with the league’s best. But there is work to be done, particularly in improving red-zone efficiency and minimizing penalties. If the Steelers can address these issues and maintain their balance on offense, they could become serious contenders in the AFC.
For now, Wilson and his teammates have given Steelers fans a reason to believe in a deep playoff run. The challenges ahead will determine if this team can fulfill that promise.
