With Russell Wilson making his second start as the Steelers’ quarterback, Pittsburgh’s offense is evolving and showing promise. Monday night’s 26-18 victory over the New York Giants highlighted several emerging trends as Wilson settles into his new role. Here are four key areas to watch as the Steelers refine their offense around the veteran QB.
1. The Deep Ball is Alive and Thriving
Wilson’s signature deep passes, affectionately known as “moon balls,” quickly become a staple in Pittsburgh’s offensive arsenal. On Monday night, he connected on a 29-yard touchdown to Calvin Austin III, adding his second deep-ball touchdown of the year. Wilson’s willingness to go long—illustrated by his 4-of-6 completion rate on throws of 20+ air yards this season—has revived an explosive element for the Steelers. This success with the deep ball has kept defenses stretched and gives Pittsburgh a big-play capability they previously lacked.
2. A Steady Improvement in First-Half Production
One of Pittsburgh’s biggest challenges has been slow starts, but Wilson’s presence seems to reverse that trend. The Steelers amassed 237 yards by halftime on Monday night, including 104 rushing yards, marking their most productive first half since 2018. Wilson’s ability to quickly adapt, read defenses, and distribute the ball to various targets has fueled these faster starts. With 14 plays of 10+ yards in the first two quarters alone, the Steelers appear poised to shed their slow-start reputation and sustain this momentum through the season.
3. Increased Mobility and Escapability Under Pressure
Wilson has demonstrated improved mobility in just two games, helping him navigate Pittsburgh’s protection challenges. Though he was sacked four times and lost a fumble against the Giants, Wilson frequently extended plays with his feet, buying critical seconds to find open targets. This escapability was most evident in plays where he connected with Van Jefferson and Austin downfield, both in extended plays that kept the chains moving. Wilson’s presence and ability to evade pressure are beginning to lift the offense and allow his receivers more opportunities to create separation.
4. Third-down efficiency Remains a Work in Progress
While Wilson’s impact on the offense is undeniable, the Steelers still face challenges, particularly on third down. Monday night saw Pittsburgh convert just 4 of 13 third-down attempts—a number that will need to improve if they want sustained offensive success. Wilson’s mobility has helped generate some first downs, but consistent third-down conversions remain elusive. The Steelers’ reliance on field goals in the red zone points to an area where Wilson and his receivers still find their rhythm, especially in high-pressure moments.
The Road Ahead: Building Momentum with Wilson at the Helm
Russell Wilson’s arrival has introduced new strengths and possibilities for the Steelers’ offense. His deep-ball accuracy, improved first-half performance, escapability, and veteran leadership contributed to a noticeable shift. If the Steelers can tighten up third-down conversions and continue building chemistry with their new quarterback, they’ll be positioned to make a significant push in the AFC. With each passing week, Wilson looks more comfortable, and Pittsburgh’s offense has a chance to evolve from good to great under his direction.
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