Mike Tomlin's widely questioned QB switch to Russell Wilson has quieted Steelers' critics
Published 13 November 2024
It was so Mike Tomlin to eloquently smack down an innocent question the other day about comparing emerging NFL rookie Jayden Daniels to Lamar Jackson, who looks to be on course to win his third NFL MVP award.
“Man, be real slow in comparing people to Lamar Jackson,” the Pittsburgh Steelers coach said after the comeback victory against the Commanders on Sunday. “That’s a multi-time MVP. That’s Mr. Jackson. We’ll see Mr. Jackson in a few days.”
Hardly a knock on Daniels, Tomlin’s response expressed the ultimate respect for Jackson, coming right up for the Steelers this weekend.
Which brings us to Tomlin’s own quarterback, Russell Wilson.
I’m guessing that Tomlin, who has never had a losing season in 17-plus years as Steelers coach, didn’t see it as the big risk that so many others surmised – if Wilson was fully healed from the calf injury that wrecked his ramp-up since the first week in training camp. He surely sensed months ago where this could be headed.
And look at them now. The critics have been silenced, at least for now. They are 3-0 with Wilson at quarterback and the Steelers offense has had the numbers, production and sizzle not seen since Ben Roethlisberger was in the mix. Although Fields, 25, gave the Steelers a dimension that involved designed runs for the mobile quarterback, new coordinator Arthur Smith’s offense has come to life with balance and explosive passing plays. The Steelers are averaging 30.3 points per game since Wilson (6 TDs, 1 INT) became the starter.
Sure, there is so much football left and Wilson, 35, will get his formal introduction to one of the NFL’s most intense rivalries on Sunday when the Baltimore Ravens visit the ‘Burgh with first place in the AFC North on the line.
Tomlin’s respect for Wilson – a definitive contrast to what the veteran quarterback got last season from Sean Payton in Denver – is undoubtedly a moving factor in this revival.
Tomlin, as he reminded us a few weeks ago when he switched from Justin Fields to Wilson, is well-compensated to make such a so-called gutsy move in the face of all the critics, analysts, pundits, armchair quarterbacks, talking heads and experts who proclaimed that he was essentially off his rocker for making the move while his team produced a 4-2 start with Fields.