The Pittsburgh Steelers are turning heads in 2024, thanks to a revamped quarterback strategy and a string of unexpected victories. After parting ways with former first-round QB Kenny Pickett, the Steelers welcomed veteran Russell Wilson and the dynamic Justin Fields into the lineup. With Wilson sidelined by a calf injury early in the season, Fields stepped up, leading Pittsburgh to a 4-2 record before head coach Mike Tomlin reinstated Wilson as the starter. Since then, the Steelers have only kept winning, amassing a 6-2 record and holding first place in the AFC North.
While many fans are starting to believe in the Steelers’ potential, some remain skeptical. Former Steelers quarterback and franchise legend Ben Roethlisberger is one of them. “I can’t put the Steelers in the same category as Baltimore or the Bills yet,” Roethlisberger told Steelers Depot’s Troy Montgomery. “They need to go out in this next stretch of games where they have Washington coming in, and I think it’s Baltimore… They have to show they can beat these true contenders.” Roethlisberger has the Steelers ranked around fourth or fifth in the AFC.
Pittsburgh’s next few games will test its mettle against the league’s best, starting in Week 10 with the 7-2 Washington Commanders, who have surprised many with rookie QB Jayden Daniels under center. The Steelers will then face the division-rival Ravens, kicking off a pivotal stretch of four straight divisional games. This tough slate will provide a clearer picture of whether Pittsburgh’s success is sustainable.
Although the Steelers are currently riding a three-game winning streak, skeptics note that their recent wins have come against the struggling Raiders, Jets, and Giants. With stiffer competition on the horizon, Russell Wilson’s performance will be key. The Steelers initially wavered on whether to start Wilson or Fields when Wilson recovered from injury. But since being handed the reins, Wilson has proven more than capable, even setting a franchise record for passing yardage in his first two starts as a Steeler.
Wilson, however, must shake off memories of two disappointing seasons with the Denver Broncos. If he can channel his Pro Bowl days, Pittsburgh could be a real playoff threat. But with formidable AFC rivals like Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, and Josh Allen, Pittsburgh’s margin for error is slim.
On the offensive side, the Steelers bolstered their receiving corps by trading for former Chargers standout Mike Williams, adding depth and experience behind star wideout George Pickens. Known for his contested catches, Williams could provide a vital target for Wilson, especially in clutch situations. His addition may well take some of the pressure off Pickens and open up the Steelers’ passing attack.
Sunday’s matchup against the Commanders offers the Steelers a golden opportunity to prove their doubters wrong. As Pittsburgh eyes its fourth straight victory, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the Steelers are legitimate AFC contenders or if their recent run has been a flash in the pan.
