Dan Orlovsky points out the flaws in Russell Wilson-led Steelers despite their brilliant 8-2 start to the season
Russell Wilson has a 4-0 record as the starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers since returning from injury in October.
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Russell Wilson, Dan Orlovsky (Images via Imago)
NFL broadcaster and analyst Dan Orlovsky recently highlighted several flaws in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ game as the season reaches its halfway point. Despite these concerns, the Steelers are on track to qualify for the postseason, potentially marking a historic eighteenth consecutive appearance.
The Steelers are ahead of the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC. Last week, the Steelers solidified their top position with a win over the Ravens. However, as there’s much to celebrate, there was a lot to ruminate and think through.
The Steelers put across six field goals, courtesy of Chris Boswell against the Ravens’ 16 points. There was a critical interception in the red zone, which kicked off questions against the offense.
Dan Orlovsky echoed the statement in an appearance on the ‘NFL on ESPN’. He expressed that the Steelers’ defense could win a Super Bowl, but the offense would not.
Orlovsky pointed out that the red zone difficulties can launch the Steelers into yet another failed season. Despite playing 17 post-seasons, the Steelers managed only two Super Bowls.
Orlovsky noted that these issues started glaring when Russell Wilson took over as the signal caller after returning from his injury. Wilson had earlier shown promise with remarkable statistics in his first game, with the highest passing yards for a Steelers debut QB.
This defense in Pittsburgh can win a Super Bowl, this offense cannot. Right now, Russell Wilson is the worst red zone quarterback in the NFL. I’ll let that sink in. That’s not an assumption, that’s not an opinion, that’s a fact. His QBR in the red zone is an eight… But if you don’t, this offense and Russell Wilson is going to struggle vs. what you’re going to show them. You can get all the yards you want, 20 to 20. But to win a Super Bowl, you’re gonna have to be better in the red zone.
Dan Orlovsky weighed in
Orlovsky also highlighted another issue: sacks. Wilson has taken eleven sacks since Week 8, tied for the fifth-most in the NFL.
The other thing that’s crept up, sacks. The last three weeks, Russell Wilson’s taken 11 sacks. That is… tied for fifth most in the NFL since Week 8. You’re talking about the concerns that were kind of heading into the situation.
Dan Orlovsky added
"This defense in Pittsburgh can win a Super Bowl. This offense cannot."@danorlovsky7 thinks the Steelers have some things to figure out on offense ? pic.twitter.com/p4ixwnPukd
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) November 20, 2024
Russell Wilson is not concerned with his red zone difficulties
Russell Wilson and the Steelers are not exactly plagued by the red zone difficulty. They have scored touchdowns in dominant victories with Wilson leading from the front. In the Week 10 game against the Washington Commanders, the Steelers had, in fact, a good red zone game.
Speaking to the media after a practice, Wilson noted that they have been consistent, playing exceptionally in several games. He expressed frustration with the media’s tendency to form opinions about players and the team based on just one game. The former Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl-winning quarterback highlighted that every game has its own story and should be viewed in its unique context.
I think the biggest thing is consistency down there. We’ve done some good things. You can’t let one game — I’ve told you guys this before – every game has a history of its own. I think that you focus on trying to be a little bit crisper, making a couple plays. Obviously, the week before, we made some really great plays in the red zone, [scored] some touchdowns down there.
Russell Wilson said
The Steelers seem to have potential solutions to their woes. If the issue persists in the upcoming games, they can turn to backup quarterback Justin Fields. Earlier in the season, Fields demonstrated his ability to create an effective run game with quick, crafty plays. Moreover, he delivered tangible results during his opportunities.
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Mohammed Bazim
(405 Articles Published)