Steelers' Tomlin 'Not Surprised' by Russell Wilson's Success After Win vs. Giants

Despite some outside skepticism about Russell Wilson's ability to play at a high level coming into the 2024 season, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has been very pleased with what he's seen from the nine-time Pro Bowler in his first two starts.

Speaking to reporters after Monday's 26-18 win over the New York Giants, Tomlin said he's "not surprised" by what Wilson has done since replacing Justin Fields as the team's starting quarterback.

Wilson finished the game 20-of-28 for 278 yards and one touchdown. He has thrown for more than 250 yards in each of the past two games. It's the first time all season a Steelers quarterback has at least 250 passing yards in back-to-back starts.

The Steelers have also put up more than 400 yards of total offense in consecutive games for the first time since the 2018 season. They are averaging 31.5 points per game in Wilson's two starts, more than 10 points better than their average in six games with Fields (20.7).

Perhaps the most important difference in the offense under Wilson is it has taken advantage of George Pickens' big-play ability. The star receiver has 185 yards and one touchdown on nine catches in his last two games. He had 363 yards with no touchdowns when Fields was starting.

These types of big splash plays are the reason that you bring in Wilson. He still has some of his negative tendencies like holding onto the ball too long, which has led to him being sacked five times in 57 pass attempts.

But the overall results have been extremely positive for a Steelers team that is now alone in first place in the AFC North with a 6-2 record going into their bye.

The context of these two wins is worth pointing out because they were against the Giants and New York Jets, who are a combined 4-12 this season.

Things will get more difficult for Wilson and the Steelers when they return from their bye in Week 10. They play back-to-back games against the Washington Commanders and Baltimore Ravens.

Pittsburgh also has games remaining against the Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs and another game against the Ravens in Baltimore on Dec. 21.

Wilson being able to get his legs back under him with these two games will serve him well as the Steelers prepare for their second-half gauntlet.