The Pittsburgh Steelers are riding high, and their newest weapon, Russell Wilson, is proving to be the perfect fit in the Steel City. In just his second start for Pittsburgh, Wilson has already stamped his name in the franchise’s record books, leading the Steelers to a decisive 26-18 win over the New York Giants on Monday Night Football. This victory not only marks a second straight win under Wilson’s command but also catapults the Steelers to first place in the ultra-competitive NFC North.
Wilson’s performance was nothing short of stellar—20 completions on 28 attempts for 278 yards and a touchdown. Though he had a brief hiccup with a fumble, it didn’t stop the Steelers’ offense from taking control. And with his impressive yardage total, Wilson set a new franchise benchmark: his 542 passing yards over his first two games surpass Earl Morrall’s 1957 record of 504 yards, according to ESPN Research. For a storied franchise with six Super Bowl titles and a long line of legendary quarterbacks, Wilson’s record-breaking start is a big deal in Pittsburgh.
This high-flying offense has been a breath of fresh air, and Mike Tomlin’s decision to pivot to Wilson has already paid dividends. While Justin Fields led the team to a respectable 4-2 record, Wilson’s efficiency and explosive playmaking have taken the offense to new heights. His presence under center has not only revitalized the passing game but also created more opportunities for the Steelers’ ground attack, with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren finding open lanes in opposing defenses.
The timing couldn’t be better. With the Baltimore Ravens stunned by an upset loss to the Cleveland Browns in Week 8, the Steelers now find themselves in sole possession of first place in a division widely considered one of the toughest in the league. Few would have predicted this outcome at the season’s outset, but Wilson’s arrival has injected a newfound energy and confidence into a team that now looks poised for a deep playoff run.
If Wilson keeps up this level of play, the Steelers could be setting more records—and raising more eyebrows—as the season rolls on. One thing’s certain: the Steelers’ gamble on Wilson is looking like one of the best moves of the 2024 season, and Pittsburgh fans are buckling up for what could be an unforgettable ride to the playoffs.
