Mike Tomlin confirmed Russell Wilson was “outstanding” in Steelers debut

PITTSBURGH – Two series after Russell Wilson's first start as quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers, a few boos rained down at Acrisure Stadium.

After Wilson's promising opening attempt failed in field goal range, the Steelers escaped with a three-out win on their second series. On the next drive, the boos intensified after another three-pointer. The series that followed, a third three-pointer in a row, caused even more displeasure among the crowd.

At this point, a small chant began to echo throughout the stadium: “JUSTIN. FIELDS. JUSTIN. FIELDS.”

When Steelers coach Mike Tomlin made the somewhat bold decision this week to move on from Fields after a 4-2 start to the season, he was putting his faith in a 35-year-old quarterback who had had two tumultuous seasons in Denver. Maybe the change would allow the offense to reach a new level? Maybe the offense behind Wilson would unravel and so would the Steelers' season?

Nobody knew exactly how it would turn out. The only certainty was that the decision would be subject to strict scrutiny.

“I own the decision,” Tomlin said Friday when asked about a possible change, placing the responsibility squarely on his own shoulders.

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During Wilson's injury layoff, Justin Fields played his best football as a pro. Given that he is only 25 years old, showed a dynamic element on the floor and continued to improve as a passer, many in Pittsburgh had already chosen the former Bear as a future center back and were reluctant to make a move behind center back . In an inconsistent first quarter, it looked like Tomlin's switch to Wilson might backfire, as Wilson only completed two passes in the first quarter.

“I felt like it was playoff baseball in the sense that I started 0-for-2, but I felt like I was going to get hot,” Wilsons said. “I kept telling Coach (Tomlin) that it was going to be hot here. In fact, we did.”

Tomlin stayed the course – and was ultimately confirmed.

A game that began with questions for the quarterback and palpable tension in the stadium ended with Najee Harris jumping into the stands to celebrate a 37-15 victory over the New York Jets. Wilson completed 16 of 29 passes for 260 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for a touchdown after a QB sneak, helping the Steelers improve to 5-2.

In doing so, Wilson fulfilled his coach's belief. For the first time in weeks, there will be no question about which quarterback will or should start next week. It's Wilson's job until something fundamentally changes.

“I thought (Wilson) was excellent,” Tomlin said. “I thought he got better as the game went on. But that doesn't surprise me. It's been a while since he last played. But I thought he settled in, knocked the rust off and distributed the ball.”

In his first start as a Steeler, Wilson was the main spark of an offense that scored 31 unanswered points. In many ways, the offense reached a level it hadn't reached in a long time, showing poise and the ability to highlight key playmakers.

Wilson distributed the ball among six pass-catchers, showing a level of confidence that comes from a quarterback with Super Bowl experience and 13 NFL seasons on his resume. Receiver Van Jefferson scored his first touchdown as a Steeler. Tight end Darnell Washington has shown he can be more than just a blocker. Pat Freiermuth picked up a lot of yards after the catch.

But no one benefited more from the QB change than receiver George Pickens.

Wilson said that after Pickens' game two weeks ago against the Dallas Cowboys, when his frustration peaked several times, the quarterback sat down with the receiver to keep him in line. On Sunday, their two skills proved to be a stylistic match. With Wilson bringing his trademark moonball and Pickens' Madden-like catch radius, the third-year receiver rushed with five catches for 111 yards and a touchdown.

“George is so talented,” Wilson said. “He makes it easy for the quarterback. He knows how to open up. He knows how to make plays. His ability to make contested catches is remarkable.”

To put the performance into perspective, Pickens was often guarded in man coverage by standout corner Sauce Gardner. He anchors a secondary that was missing several key defensive backs but limited opponents to the second-fewest receiving yards per game (148.8). Instead of shying away from this duel, the Steelers took advantage of their opportunities. And won.

“They played a lot of man-to-man situations,” Pickens said. “When you get into situations like that, you definitely have to capitalize on it.”

As the first half got close and the Steelers trailed 15-6, it seemed like Pittsburgh was back in one of its classic rock low-scoring duels. But when undrafted rookie defensive back Beanie Bishop recognized a play he had seen on film when the Green Bay Packers were running for Davante Adams, he skipped the route and intercepted Aaron Rodgers. The Steelers' offense took advantage of the mistake by covering 54 yards in four plays and 48 seconds. Wilson capped the drive when he hit Pickens on a fade in the right corner of the end zone.

George Pickens' 11-yard touchdown brought the Steelers within two points with 32 seconds left in the first half. (Barry Reeger/Imagn Images)

“I threw the first touchdown to George,” Wilson said. “That was the moment when I thought: There will be a lot more of this.”

The late score at the end of the first half brought the Steelers within two points and shifted the momentum in their favor. From then on, the offense found new gear in the second half.

The balance that has sometimes eluded the Steelers has emerged. Pittsburgh's ground game began in the second half as Harris passed the 100-yard mark for the second straight year with 102 yards.

With the Steelers leading 16-15 midway through the third quarter, Bishop turned the tide again when he intercepted Rodgers a second time. This time he returned the ball to the 1-yard line to set up Wilson for the QB sneak and give the Steelers a 23-15 lead.

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From there, the Steelers rolled.

“This is the most efficient we’ve ever been in the years I’ve been here,” said Harris, who is in his fourth season. “We usually turn it around later in the season. But to happen so early and get that momentum going, I think is a sign of what’s going to happen in the future.”

That sense of optimism was felt throughout the Pittsburgh sideline.

For years, the Steelers have fought for a winning record using a familiar formula. The defense often dominates or at least provides the timely, game-winning splash play. And offensively, the Steelers often did just enough to earn victories. To be honest, the Steelers have won countless games in the post-Ben Roethlisberger era despite the offense.

Based on how the second half went, there's reason to believe this offense can reach new levels – and that Wilson can help be part of that change.

“I feel like we have a young offense, young players that are so talented, and we're on the verge of getting really good and being great,” Wilson said. “We have to keep looking for that advantage.”

Even though it's just one game against a dysfunctional Jets team, this game can be a stepping stone. If the Steelers continue to play at the same level defensively as they have for most of the season, running the ball with the efficiency they have had in the last two games and then getting the push they need from the quarterback, perhaps a team can be the one that causes a stir in January.

“Part of my job, sitting here for 13 years, I think is to make sure I get the guys to the top and make them realize we need to get there and we can't wait,” Wilson said . “The most important thing right now is that we have a lot more room to grow and we will do that.”

After Sunday, there should be no question as to which quarterback is the starter. The new question is: How far can the veteran quarterback take them?

(Top photo of George Pickens and Russell Wilson: Charles LeClaire / Imagn Images)