The Pittsburgh Steelers were one of the pleasant surprises of the 2024 season. The team took a completely new direction at quarterback this year, moving from former first-round pick Kenny Pickett to Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. With Wilson sidelined with a calf injury, Fields led the team to a 4-2 record. After head coach Mike Tomlin asked Wilson to start at QB, the team continued to win.
Now 6-2 and in first place in the AFC North, the Steelers appear to be legitimate contenders. But not everyone is a believer. Ben Roethlisberger, former Pittsburgh quarterback has doubts about his old team. “I can’t put the Steelers in the same category as Baltimore or the Bills yet,” Roethlisberger said, per Troy Montgomery of the Steelers Depot.
“They have to come out in the next stretch of games where Washington comes in, and I think it’s Baltimore…They have a stretch where if they come out and show they can beat these teams, these real contenders…s “They can. Go show they belong, I’ll move them to the top of my list. But right now I have them at four or five in the AFC,” Roethlisberger added.
The Steelers face the surprisingly strong Washington Commanders, led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, in Week 10. In Week 11, Pittsburgh will face the Ravens, kicking off four straight division matchups . The next two weeks should provide a better understanding of the Steelers’ status in the AFC. Pittsburgh is on a three-game winning streak, but those victories came against the Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets and New York Giants – which isn’t exactly a talent assassin’s row of the NFL.
Can Russell Wilson be a contender for the Steelers?
Much of the Steelers’ success this season will depend on Wilson’s play. The team struggled with its decision to change its starting quarterback. When Wilson was finally healthy, the Steelers didn’t seem ready to move on from Fields. But ultimately Tomlin called and Wilson was better than expected. He even set a franchise record for yardage in a quarterback’s first two starts.
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Still, it’s hard to forget Wilson’s shell that was exposed during two unforgettable seasons with the Denver Broncos. If Wilson can return to Pro Bowl form, the team is capable of making a postseason run. However, with Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow and Josh Allen all competing within the conference, Pittsburgh cannot afford to lose its quarterback position.
The Steelers landed Mike Williams in a trade with the Jets, adding much-needed depth at receiver behind George Pickens. Although Williams didn’t have success with New York, he is the perfect number two receiver for Wilson. Williams built a reputation as one of the most contested receivers in the league during his seven years with the Chargers. Perhaps his addition to the WR corps will elevate the offense.
The Steelers have an opportunity to make a statement on Sunday when the team travels to Washington to take on the 7-2 Commanders.
