In the first half, Russell Wilson led the Pittsburgh Steelers to three field goals, tying the game 9-9. However, he boosted the team’s lead to 23-9 in the second half with a touchdown following a 9-play, 80-yard drive.
The decision to start Wilson over Justin Fields stirred controversy when Wilson, a former Super Bowl champ, returned from injury. His previous stint with the Denver Broncos (2022-2023) was lackluster, and Fields had propelled the Steelers to a 4-2 start. However, Wilson silenced critics with a 26-18 victory over the New York Giants on Monday, despite a slow start.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin noted, "There was less rust than the previous week, and I’m not surprised by what he can do.” Wilson completed the game with 278 passing yards, connecting on 20 of 28 attempts. His second game back since a training camp calf injury showcased a stronger second-half performance that energized the Steelers.
Tomlin observed, “I liked how the team looked at halftime. We knew we needed some big plays to change the game’s momentum, and the players were eager to step up.”
Under Fields, Pittsburgh managed over 25 points only once, in a 32-13 win over the Raiders. But with Wilson, the Steelers have scored at least 26 points in both starts, reaching a season-high 37 points against the Jets in Week 7. He surpassed 260 passing yards for the second consecutive game, maintaining a 71.4% completion rate and tossing a touchdown with zero interceptions. Wilson's passer rating topped 109.0 in each game, contrasting with Fields, who only achieved a rating above 97.3 once across six starts. Fields averaged 18.4 points per game, aside from a 37-point high against Las Vegas. Although Fields had only one interception, he threw five touchdowns and rushed for another five.
The Steelers’ run game also improved with Wilson at the helm. Running back Najee Harris has had two 100-yard games since Wilson's start, while he only had one with Fields, who himself had a significantly higher rushing average per game.
Regarding fumbles, both quarterbacks faced challenges. Fields fumbled four times but didn’t lose possession; Wilson, however, has already lost one fumble, which briefly opened a chance for a Giants comeback. T.J. Watt’s forced fumble and Beanie Bishop’s recovery helped secure the Steelers’ lead.
Watt’s defensive efforts against Giants quarterback Daniel Jones included seven tackles, two sacks, and a fumble, while teammate Alex Highsmith contributed two sacks and four tackles.
Wilson and the Steelers now have a bye week before facing a challenging lineup with the Washington Commanders (6-2) on Nov. 10, followed by games against the Ravens, Eagles, and Chiefs.
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