Shannon Sharpe makes startling claim about Russell Wilson before Ravens playoff game: “He will get killed”
Shannon Sharpe warned the Steelers, particularly OC Arthur Smith to protect Russell Wilson on the field, to have any hopes in the playoffs.
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Russell Wilson and Shannon Sharpe (Via Forbes/Marca)
The Pittsburgh Steelers began the season on a strong note, winning ten out of their first 13 games. However, in recent weeks, they have struggled to maintain that momentum. Despite entering the postseason with a 10-7 record, Shannon Sharpe fears that they may not make it beyond the Wild Card round.
Besides Justin Fields‘s contributions in the starting few games, the biggest reason behind the Steelers’ turnover this season has been veteran quarterback Russell Wilson, who proved his growing age hasn’t caught up to him. He even outperformed the NFL yards and touchdown leader Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals in a startling 44-38 victory, where he posted 414 yards and three touchdowns.
However, he has struggled to score points, resulting in his team’s four-game losing streak heading into the postseason. Unfortunately for them, they are scheduled against the AFC North champion, the Baltimore Ravens, in the opening game of the playoffs, and ESPN analyst Sharpe has certain concerns about it.
Shannon Sharpe critiques Steelers’ lack of support for Russell Wilson
The Steelers are coming off a disastrous game against Burrow’s Bengals, which could have earned Cincinnati a playoff spot only if the Kansas City Chiefs hadn’t lost to the Denver Broncos. As the nine-time Pro Bowler settled with 148 yards and one touchdown, Sharpe held Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith responsible.
Highlighting how Wilson was sacked four times in the game, the three-time Super Bowl champion criticized Smith for not providing the quarterback with any help against the Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson’s continuous attacks.
You see your left tackle, it’s getting handed to him [on] Saturday… and you still can’t scat the formation which means you empty the backfield, you don’t slide the protection to him, you don’t chip, you don’t help, you do nothing. Let me tell you something… if that guy [Russell Wilson] gets it going and you don’t help him, he will get killed.
Shannon Sharpe said in the latest episode of ESPN’s First Take
With that, the Pro Hall of Famer advised the Steelers, particularly offensive coordinator Smith to double protection for Wilson on the field. Because, despite the glory of success for most of the season, if the Steelers crumbled against the Ravens in the wild-card game, it could spell the end of Wilson’s future in Pittsburgh or potentially his NFL career.
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Pratyusha Srivastava
(2078 Articles Published)