Russell Wilson’s Locked in on Ravens, Not Worried About Uncertain Future with Steelers
PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and given his regression during the four-game losing streak, his future in Pittsburgh is very much up in the air.
The nine-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion is not worried about the offseason now, however. He’s locked in on Saturday night’s Wild Card Round game against the Baltimore Ravens.
“I just always think about the moment. I’m not really worried about down the road or anything like that,” Wilson said on Wednesday.
The 36-year-old Russell Wilson has played in 11 games this season, completing 214 of 316 passes (63.7%) for 2,482, 16 touchdowns, five interceptions, and a 95.6 passer rating. He hasn’t thrown over 217 yards in a game dating back to Week 14, though.
Despite Wilson regressing and the Steelers losing their last four games, the veteran quarterback is still confident that they can make a run at a Super Bowl.
“Hey, let’s go win the last four. All right?” “Look at me. Let’s go. We can do it. You know what I’m saying? Don’t doubt now,” Wilson told veteran defensive tackle Cam Heyward after the regular-season finale loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, which was captured by Hard Knocks.
Russell Wilson has won a Super Bowl before, back in 2013 with Seattle. He’s one of six Steelers players who have a Super Bowl ring, all of which have come with other NFL teams. Elandon Roberts, Cordarrelle Patterson, Scotty Miller, Van Jefferson, Ben Skowronek and Isaac Seumalo are the six other player with Super Bowl rings.
“For me, it’s being poised in those moments, looking forward to it, knowing that it’s going to be a four-quarter game, it’s going to be a battle, and we’re looking forward to the opportunity of it, and I’ve been fortunate, to hold the trophy and everything else and do some special things in the playoffs, and the moments of that,” Wilson said. “We want to use all that experience that we have, and some of the guys in this locker room too. Guys like Van Jefferson and Ben Skowronek and guys have played at the highest level too, and moments and teams and those help.”
Wilson thinks his playoff and Super Bowl experience will be beneficial to the younger players on the team who haven’t experienced it. The Steelers’ seven-year playoff drought is the longest for the franchise since pre-1972. They only have three players on the current roster who’ve experienced a playoff win with the Steelers — Cam Heyward, Chris Boswell and Tyler Matakevich.
“I’ve been fortunate to play a lot of playoff games, a lot of moments, and I think to be able to use that experience and to talk to guys about what it feels like, what it is, and the moments that can forever change your life,” Wilson said. “So, we’re living it. We’re right in the middle of it right now, and we’re excited about that opportunity to go show who we can be. And again, that’s the fun part of it.”
RELATED: Mike Tomlin Critical of Russell Wilson, Open to Utilizing Justin Fields More
In addition to turning the ball over at a high rate, the Steelers have not run the ball well during their four-game losing streak. Those two aspects need to be corrected if they want to upset the Ravens on Saturday night.
“I think that there’s some things that we’re doing really well, and we want to make sure we focus on those things and do those things and make sure that we multiply that a few times over,” Wilson said. “I think that’s a big thing.
“I think the most important thing is us being able to execute certain moments and doing that at a high level. And that’s the opportunity we get, and this is our chance to do it, and we’re excited about that, and I think that’s our focus. Let’s keep repeating the things we’re doing well and get rid of anything that’s not so good. I think that we’ve got a chance to do that.”
Aaron Becker provided reporting from Pittsburgh.
Read This Next
