Steelers' Russell Wilson Has No Chance Other Than To Be Great Against Ravens With Hall Of Fame Credentials On The Line

Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro edge rusher, T.J. Watt told the media they know this team has talent because they showed it earlier this year. He said he believes it is easier to get back to a place you've already been than to try to create something out of nothing. As the Steelers head to face their divisional foes, the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday night, everyone seems to be looking for a hero to step up and lead this team to get back to where they were. 

Watt said he has been preaching all year about how important it is to him and other players like DeShon Elliott, who have never won a playoff game. Bob Labriola, the editor of the Steelers Digest and a contributor for the Steelers, joined Randy Baumann and the DVE Morning Show on 102.5 WDVE and was asked who could be a difference maker in the upcoming Wild Card game. Labriola feels Russell Wilson is playing for more than this single victory, which might work in the Steelers' favor.   

"Let me just say this about Russell Wilson," Labriola shared. "This is my opinion. I think Russell Wilson is at the precipice of a Hall of Fame career. He could make it, or he might not. He's getting old. So for Russell Wilson, the competitor in him and what he wants to be here when he came to Pittsburgh, this is his chance. There have been times in Steelers history where guys have stepped up and been great in playoff games, in moments of playoff games, and maybe it's cemented their induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, like Troy Polamalu in the 2008 AFC Championship game. Russell Wilson, I think, understands this. So what I'm thinking is we're going to get the best of Russell Wilson, whatever that is. Russell Wilson has a real opportunity to state his case. His situation goes beyond just helping the Steelers do something this year. It goes to his personal history with the sport he chose to be his profession."

Labriola pointed out that Wilson helped carry his former team to back-to-back Super Bowls, winning one when he was with the Seattle Seahawks. He is in his 13th season and has a 9-7 playoff record, last winning in 2020 over the Philadelphia Eagles. The Steelers haven't won a playoff game since the 2016 season with Ben Roethlisberger, who was 13-10 in the playoffs in his 18 seasons.    

During his peak years, Wilson was one of the best quarterbacks in the league. However, Steelers fans know all too well (see Hines Ward) that being one of the best isn't enough to guarantee enshrinement in Canton. Wilson is ranked third, with 46,135 career passing yards among active quarterbacks, behind Aaron Rodgers (who has played for seven seasons longer), and Matthew Stafford (who has played for three seasons longer). 

Wilson struggled during his time with the Denver Broncos and likely saw success in Pittsburgh as a way to redeem himself. Unfortunately, his season was shortened by a hamstring injury, but he still seemed on his way to redemption until the final four games. His future in the Steel City and the NFL is uncertain and could all hinge on this game. 

Steelers' Russell Wilson Shouldn't Get All The Blame

Labriola said putting all or even most blame on Wilson isn't fair. He noted that numerous players, especially on offense, made mistakes that contributed to that loss. That includes inferior play by the offensive line and some drops by George Pickens and Pat Freiermuth.

There has also been talking about Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith not giving Wilson complete control over the line of scrimmage. The quarterback should have a feel for the cadence. That coincides with worries that Head Coach Mike Tomlin is dictating the offensive game plan because he is determined to have them present as a run-heavy team when they may not have the personnel to support those schemes.  

Do you agree that Wilson is also playing for a bust in Canton? Click to comment below. 

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