Steelers' Tomlin Celebrates Russell Wilson's Debut: 'That's Why I'm Well Compensated'

Mike Tomlin's decision to start Russell Wilson paid off.

The Pittsburgh Steelers head coach was proud of himself following the team's 37-15 win over the New York Jets on Sunday. When former NFL wide receiver Brandon Marshall asked Tomlin if starting Wilson under center was one of his "boldest" decisions, he responded.

"That's why I'm well compensated," Tomlin said, via ESPN's Brooke Pryor.

Prior to the game, Tomlin took ownership of the decision to start Wilson over Justin Fields. The Steelers opened the year with a 4-2 record in Fields' six starts, with the 25-year-old scoring 10 total touchdowns to go along with one interception.

Wilson was named Pittsburgh's starting quarterback entering Week 1, but he was unable to suit up in the team's first six contests after aggravating a calf injury. Tomlin's bold choice appeared to be the correct one, as the nine-time Pro Bowl passer thrived against an imposing Jets secondary.

Wilson finished 16-of-29 for 264 yards and two touchdowns without committing a turnover in his first appearance of the season, adding a third score on the ground.

"I thought he was excellent," Tomlin said of Wilson after the game, per Pryor. "I thought he got better as the game went on. But I'm not surprised by that. It has been a while since he's played some ball, but I thought he settled in, knocked the rust off and distributed the ball around and played well."

Sitting at 5-2 with the NFL's second-best scoring defense, the Steelers are currently in first place in the AFC North. If Wilson can continue to lead the offense to high-scoring performances, Tomlin's team could be preparing for a second consecutive playoff appearance.