There was excitement in Pittsburgh when the city welcomed two new QBs this off-season. The franchise has suffered from poor shot-calling over the last few years but many believed that this was about to change with the introduction of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. However, things are back to being bleak in super quick time, as both QBs struggled to make an impact in the preseason, making Stephen A. Smith issue a prophetic assertion.
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During an episode of the First Take, Smith looked disgusted with the Steelers’ offensive display. While acknowledging Russell Wilson’s previous calf injury, he asserted that he had no confidence in the veteran QB. Smith also highlighted Russ’ inability to rectify lingering issues, particularly his extended ball-holding. In fact, Smith believes that it was one of the reasons why Sean Payton decided to send the QB packing.
Even though Smith expressed confidence in Mike Tomlin’s coaching abilities, he harshly criticized Wilson, predicting a last-place finish for the Steelers in the AFC North. He argued that the Steelers and their quarterback lack the necessary tools to compete against Burrow, Lamar Jackson, and Watson.
“The Steelers looked awful offensively. I’m very disgusted with what I saw. I understand he’s had a calf injury and I get that reality but here’s what resonates with me. I’m thinking about the fact that you took three sacks, still holding onto the ball a little bit too longer. I’m not enthused. The Steelers got last place written all over them.”
“The Steelers looked awful offensively. … The Steelers have last place written all over them.”
—@stephenasmith pic.twitter.com/ewJ4LxChpf
— First Take (@FirstTake) August 19, 2024
Russ completed 8 out of 10 passes for 47 yards on four drives and the team failed to score any points with him. He also took three sacks in his first three drives. While some blame can be attributed to a poor display from the Offensive Line, particularly OT Broderick Jones and Guard James Daniels, it doesn’t absolve Wilson of holding the ball for far too long.
The Steelers scored only three points and that came courtesy of Justin Fields’s mediocre display. Fans high on Russell Wilson are now appalled by the display from their QB1 and the team’s entire offense. However, many still believe that Tomlin’s men will make the playoffs.
Steelers’ Poor Offensive Display Called Out By the Fans
Fans were disgusted by the team’s offensive performance, labeling it atrocious. Yet, a few sympathized with Wilson, blaming the struggling offensive line, arguing that no quarterback can thrive without adequate protection.
Well, despite the offensive woes, many displayed a strong faith in coach Tomlin to transform the unit into playoff contenders. Meanwhile, there were some, who deeply missed Ben Roethlisberger.
Yeah, the offense looked terrible
— Alex ✞ (@GreatRajsel) August 19, 2024
Another chimed in and added,
offensively awful
— Riya sameer (@Riyasameer_03) August 19, 2024
Someone commented,
That offensive line was horrible with Russell Wilson out there. U can’t throw the ball if the offense line not blocking no one. It’s not all on Russell Wilson, that offensive line got play better too.
— Chris (@YungBlaqq29) August 19, 2024
A user stated,
Tomlin will turn chicken sh*t into sh*t like he does every year. Playoff contenders
— The Bro Dad (@The_BroDad) August 19, 2024
Others wrote.
I miss this so much #steelers pic.twitter.com/Fx6duzRARY
— Matthew Luciow (@matthewluciow92) August 18, 2024
The Steelers and Wilson have just one preseason game left to find their rhythm. This could be a pivotal moment for Wilson’s career as a starting quarterback. Tomlin has trusted him so far, but the coach may be forced to reconsider his decision if the veteran’s performance doesn’t improve, potentially opening the door for Fields.
