Russell Wilson reflected on his second game with the Pittsburgh Steelers, noting how much more comfortable he felt compared to his debut. After missing five to six games in his career due to injury, Wilson acknowledged that regaining his rhythm took time, especially against tough opponents. He emphasized the importance of resilience and “response” as he settled back into the pace of the game. His performance against the New York Giants was strong, with 278 passing yards and a touchdown, helping him set a new franchise record for the most passing yards (542) in a player’s first two games with the Steelers, surpassing a record set in 1957.
Steelers’ head coach Mike Tomlin praised Wilson’s ability to quickly shake off the rust from his initial game, noting a smoother, more decisive performance in his second outing. Wilson and the offense managed to move the ball effectively, especially in the first half, though several drives ended in field goals rather than touchdowns. Two potential touchdown passes to George Pickens were called back due to a controversial foot placement rule, frustrating Wilson and the team, who believed Pickens had made the catches. Despite the setbacks, Wilson remained positive and highlighted the plays as strong contributions that just didn’t result in points.
In the fourth quarter, Wilson connected with wide receiver Calvin Austin III for a critical 29-yard touchdown. This pass was impressive, with only a 28.2% completion probability, marking Wilson’s 12th touchdown with less than a 30% chance since last season, an NFL-leading statistic. Austin, who had a stellar performance with two touchdowns (including a punt return score), praised Wilson’s constant pursuit of big plays, noting the quarterback’s drive to create game-changing moments. Wilson’s leadership and emphasis on looking for scoring opportunities helped keep the offense dynamic and unpredictable.
The Steelers’ offense achieved over 400 yards for a second straight game, a feat last accomplished by the team in 2018, thanks to both Wilson’s passing and a powerful run game led by Najee Harris, who recorded his third consecutive 100-yard rushing performance. This offensive surge has contributed significantly to the team’s impressive 6-2 start, positioning them at the top of the AFC North. Wilson’s performance, combined with the team’s effective ground game, demonstrated a balanced offensive approach that kept the Giants’ defense on its toes.
As the Steelers approach their Week 9 bye, Wilson encouraged his teammates to maintain focus and avoid complacency. Acknowledging their strong start, he reminded them that the 6-2 record doesn’t guarantee anything and emphasized the importance of preparing mentally and physically during the break. Wilson remains focused on the challenges ahead, aware that the team needs to be prepared for high-stakes games as they aim to build on their successful season start without losing momentum.
