Pittsburgh Steelers Steelers Commentary
Becker: Steelers Need Russell Wilson to be Eagles’ Kryptonite Once Again
The Steelers haven't defeated the Eagles in Philadelphia since 1965, but this time they have something they haven't before: Russell Wilson.
PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing to do something they haven’t been able to do in nearly 60 years and that’s defeat the Eagles in Philadelphia.
The last time the Steelers won in Philadelphia was on October 24, 1965, and there’s a good chance that losing streak continues with the 11-2 Eagles clicking on all cylinders.
However, this time the Steelers have something they haven’t had before: Quarterback Russell Wilson.
Wilson has proven to be the Eagles’ kryptonite with a 6-0 record (including postseason) against them all time. In those six matchups, Wilson has thrown for 1,517 yards, nine touchdowns and just one interception.
While he’s aware of his previous success, he understands the past will not help him on Sunday.
“Yeah, but you know, that’s old,” Wilson said. “I’m aware.”
Wilson’s dominance against the Eagles has been impressive, nonetheless. What may be even more impressive, though, is that four of those wins came in Philadelphia, which is a place that has proven to be very difficult to play.
Wilson reaffirmed that sentiment on Thursday.
“I’ve gotten to play there several times. It’s a place that is a tough environment to play,” Wilson said. “It’s a place with great energy, and like I said, we’ve got to bring our best.”
The Steelers will need Wilson to continue his dominance against the Eagles in Week 15 if they hope to finally end their losing streak against them.
That’s why head coach Mike Tomlin has been laying the groundwork for Pennsylvania’s “state championship” all week.
“Really excited about this one, man. This Pennsylvania State Championship. Excited about representing the WPIAL in this,” Tomlin said. “They’re a really good football team. They need no endorsement from me.”
Luckily for the Steelers, Wilson revealed he also has a pretty good record in “state championships” at every level of his football career.
“Yeah, I won them all in high school, and then in college, I guess NC State versus UNC was always a big one. We won those,” Wilson said. “I think coach always finds a way to motivate us in such a way. We have such a respect for this football team we’re about to play.”
Wilson will be a bit shorthanded this week. Tomlin ruled wide receiver George Pickens as doubtful with a hamstring injury that sidelined him in Week 14.
That would be a big loss for the Steelers offense as Pickens leads the team with 55 catches for 850 yards.
However, the Steelers were able to win without him last week, and that has given Wilson even more confidence they can do it again.
“I think with all the guys that we have, though, we have guys with great experience, have done some amazing things in this league,” Wilson said. “So we’ve got great confidence in the guys we have.”
The Steelers locker room seems to be buying into Wilson more and more every week. If he can help them end their losing streak in Philadelphia, it may just be enough to convince everyone that the Super Bowl is also within reach.
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