It took about a quarter-and-a-half for quarterback Russell Wilson to knock off his rust in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Week 7 win over the New York Jets.
However, once Wilson warmed up to the action, he was impressive, passing for 264 yards and two touchdowns. He also had a rushing touchdown.
Head coach Mike Tomlin liked what he saw from his veteran quarterback in the dominant 37-15 win.
“His poise,” Tomlin said. “I thought his experience was very evident.”
It was the most points the Steelers have scored since quarterback Ben Roethlisberger retired following the 2021 season, which is why many believe Wilson has earned himself another start.
Tomlin didn’t deny that claim on Tuesday.
“He’s scheduled to take first-team reps when it begins tomorrow,” Tomlin stated.
It’s a change from last week when Tomlin said that Wilson and fellow quarterback Justin Fields would both take first-team reps throughout the week. He doesn’t want Fields to change his preparation ahead of Pittsburgh’s Week 8 matchup against the Giants, though.
“I just want Justin to be prepared to get ready to play,” Tomlin continued. “We’ve got two capable guys. We’re going to ready them.”
That doesn’t mean Fields has a chance to start this week, but the Steelers could begin implementing offensive packages to take advantage of Fields’ dual-threat ability.
That could come in handy versus New York, which is allowing the sixth-fewest passing yards per game (179.4) but the eighth-most rushing yards per game (138.1) in the league.
Only time will tell if Pittsburgh wants to use Fields as something more than just Wilson’s backup, but the team is more so focused on helping Wilson pick up right where he left off on Monday night.
“He has arm talent. He has arm strength. …He’s got pinpoint accuracy,” Tomlin concluded. “He’s very talented in that area.”
All quotations obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.
