Not first time Steelers changed quarterbacks | News, Sports, Jobs

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) scrambles within the first half of an NFL soccer recreation in opposition to the New York Jets in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. (AP Photograph/Gene J. Puskar)

PITTSBURGH (AP) — A dominant protection. An offense closely reliant on a operating recreation. A gentle begin to a season brimming with promise tinged by uncertainty at quarterback.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been right here earlier than. Even when Mike Tomlin and Russell Wilson haven’t.

Fifty years in the past, the unique “Metal Curtain” protection led by Joe Greene was in its prime. Franco Harris and Rocky Bleier offered a one-two punch within the backfield. Rookie extensive receivers Lynn Swann and John Stallworth have been the downfield threats the passing recreation so desperately lacked.

But one thing was off. Coach Chuck Noll may really feel it at the same time as Pittsburgh went 4-1-1 over the opening six weeks. Joe Gilliam, who began in Week 1 after Terry Bradshaw was injured late within the preseason, threw 4 touchdowns in opposition to eight interceptions throughout these first half-dozen video games, main Noll to show again to Bradshaw and even take a glimpse at third-stringer Terry Hanratty.

The fixed jockeying on the recreation’s most essential place may have divided the workforce. In some methods, it did. Greene grew so pissed off late within the season following a loss to the Houston Oilers that he cleaned out his locker in a huff solely to have extensive receivers coach Lionel Taylor speak him out of quitting.

Bradshaw ultimately settled in and the season ended with the Steelers profitable the franchise’s first Tremendous Bowl.

Wanting again, Swann doesn’t linger on the bumpy highway Pittsburgh took to the highest, solely the vacation spot. Requested throughout a Fiftieth-anniversary celebration of the 1974 workforce on Sunday evening simply hours earlier than Wilson guided the Steelers to a surprisingly straightforward 37-15 win over the New York Jets that pushed Pittsburgh to 5-2 what he remembers in regards to the turbulent season 5 many years in the past, the Corridor of Famer simply smiled.

“Chuck was going to do what Chuck was going to do,” Swann mentioned. “As gamers, we knew we simply needed to do our jobs for whoever the quarterback was. I caught my first profession landing go from Joe. I used to be with Joe identical to I used to be nice with Terry or (Hanratty).”

Standing contained in the Acrisure Stadium locker room simply after Sunday evening turned to early Monday morning, inside linebacker Patrick Queen echoed an identical thought when speaking about Wilson and backup-turned-starter-turned backup Justin Fields.

“Now we have obtained lots of religion in each of these guys,” Queen mentioned. “Justin did an incredible job and now Russ has are available and accomplished an incredible job. We all know whoever we’ve again there, they’re going to provide us an opportunity to win.”

Possibly, however Wilson’s efficiency in his first regular-season recreation in 10 months confirmed a glimpse of what Tomlin and first-year offensive coordinator Arthur Smith imagine the Steelers could be.

Wilson accomplished 16 of 29 passes for 264 yards, throwing for 2 scores and operating for one more. Large receiver George Pickens completed with 5 receptions for 111 yards and his first landing of the season. Working again Najee Harris topped 100 yards for a second straight week and the Steelers went over 30 factors in consecutive video games for the primary time since 2020.

Immediately, all of the exterior angst about Wilson’s return from a calf damage disrupting regardless of the Steelers believed they have been constructing with Fields disappeared.

Humorous how profitable convincingly does that.

“We’re having enjoyable enjoying ball,” Wilson mentioned. “We’re having enjoyable going to apply. We’re having enjoyable being round each other and Coach Tomlin believes in all of us.”

His 35-year-old quarterback maybe most of all.

What’s working

Growing what Tomlin calls a “block tradition.”

The Steelers obtained their palms on a kick for a 3rd straight recreation when defensive sort out Dean Lowry deflected Greg Zeurlein’s 35-yard field-goal try late within the third quarter that will have drawn the Jets inside 5. The offense drove 75 yards for a landing on the following possession to place the sport out of attain.

“We’ve obtained lots of guys who put lots of efforts into the strategies which might be required to ship (blocked kicks),” Tomlin mentioned. “So I’m appreciative of that, it’s fairly superior, and it’s important.”

What wants assist

The sluggish begins stay a difficulty. The Steelers have one first-quarter landing by seven video games. For a workforce that prefers to leap out in entrance and let the protection do the remainder, falling behind commonly in opposition to groups with playoff aspirations — corresponding to most of their opponents within the second half of the season — is enjoying with hearth.

Fill up

Beanie Bishop was presupposed to be a fill-in at slot nook till Cam Sutton comes off the suspended listing in early November. The undrafted rookie free agent’s fearlessness and playmaking in Sutton’s absence — capped by the primary two interceptions of Bishop’s profession on Sunday evening in opposition to Aaron Rodgers, each of which arrange touchdowns — means he has seemingly carved out a task for himself in some capability even after Sutton returns.

Inventory down

Tomlin’s critics. The NFL’s longest-tenured coach may have performed it protected and caught with Fields contemplating how solidly the Fields had carried out whereas filling in.

But Tomlin understands his offense wants to achieve one other gear if it desires to be a professional contender within the AFC.

Whereas loads of work stays to be accomplished, the victory over the Jets offered a stable basis Tomlin expects his workforce to construct on.

Accidents

Defensive sort out Montravius Adams left within the first half with a knee damage. Cornerback Donte Jackson injured his shoulder within the second quarter.

Key quantity

201 — video games performed by longtime defensive sort out Cam Heyward, tied with Corridor of Fame cornerback Donnie Shell for essentially the most by a defensive participant in franchise historical past.

Subsequent steps

Attempt to full their sweep of the Massive Apple (OK, northern New Jersey) when the struggling New York Giants (2-5) go to for “Monday Evening Soccer” on Oct. 28.