The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2024 season has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. After starting strong at 8-2, the team has since struggled, losing four out of their last six games, including a tough loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. With their playoff hopes on the line, all eyes are now on quarterback Russell Wilson. Despite his early success with the Steelers, many are questioning whether they can still trust him to lead the team moving forward, especially after his poor performance in the loss to the Chiefs.

The Case for Trusting Russell Wilson

Chase, a veteran NFL quarterback, argues that the Steelers should still trust Wilson. While acknowledging that mistakes have been made, particularly in recent games, Chase points out that Wilson has been a significant factor in the Steelers’ strong start to the season. Although turnovers in critical situations—such as red-zone fumbles and interceptions—have hurt the team, these mistakes are part of the game. Even seasoned quarterbacks like Wilson can experience lapses in judgment.

Chase also highlights the Steelers’ defensive struggles. Since Week 12, the team’s defense has allowed an alarming 27.7 points per game, which is far below the standard we expect from a Pittsburgh defense. When the defense isn’t performing, quarterbacks like Wilson often feel the pressure to do more, leading to mistakes. Chase believes that Wilson’s experience will allow him to bounce back from these rough patches, especially if the defense and other areas of the team improve.

Despite the criticism, Wilson still provides value. He may not be the same mobile quarterback he once was, but he can still manage the game and make key plays when necessary. The real issue is not Wilson alone, but the lack of overall team cohesion—especially on defense and in the running game.

The Case Against Trusting Russell Wilson

On the flip side, Shady argues that the Steelers need to reconsider their faith in Wilson. He points to the quarterback’s recent struggles, including critical turnovers in the Chiefs game, as evidence that Wilson is no longer the quarterback the team needs. Wilson’s inability to escape pressure and his lack of mobility, compared to his younger years, have become clear liabilities. His recent interceptions and fumbles, especially in the red zone, have hurt the Steelers’ chances in crucial moments.

Shady also emphasizes that Wilson’s struggles aren’t just a result of the team’s defensive and offensive line issues. Yes, the defense has underperformed, and the offensive line has been poor, but Wilson’s decision-making in the Chiefs game was concerning. The interception he threw was due to a misread of the defense, not simply because he was pressing to make a play. Shady believes that Wilson’s aging body and waning abilities are limiting his potential to lead the Steelers to success, especially in the postseason.

Where Do the Steelers Go From Here?

So, should the Steelers still trust Russell Wilson? The answer isn’t straightforward. Wilson, as a seasoned quarterback, has shown flashes of brilliance, but his recent performances have raised valid concerns. It’s clear that the Steelers’ offensive struggles extend beyond Wilson’s performance alone. The defense isn’t playing at its usual level, and the offensive line has been a weak link all season. Additionally, without a strong running game, Wilson is often forced to carry the offense on his own, which has led to mistakes.

However, despite his recent struggles, it would be premature to give up on Wilson entirely. The Steelers’ issues are systemic, and a quarterback change isn’t likely to solve them overnight. Wilson still has the potential to lead the team, but he needs support from his teammates and coaching staff to succeed.

The key to the Steelers’ future success lies in team-wide improvements. The defense must return to its dominant form, and the offensive line must become more reliable. If these areas improve, Wilson may be able to regain his rhythm and guide the Steelers through the remainder of the season and into the playoffs. But if the struggles continue, it may become more difficult for him to maintain the trust of his team and coaching staff.

In conclusion, while Wilson’s recent performance has been concerning, the Steelers should continue to trust him as their quarterback. However, it’s crucial that the team addresses its other issues to ensure a more balanced and effective performance moving forward. Without improvement in key areas, even Russell Wilson may not be enough to carry the Steelers to the postseason.