Before this season began, not many people believed that Russell Wilson would succeed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. After two rough seasons with the Denver Broncos, it seemed like Wilson’s time as a starting quarterback was over. The past two weeks proved that to be untrue. It’s only two games, but Wilson looks like a capable player. However, former NFL quarterback Cam Newton still doesn’t believe in Wilson.
“I’m still skeptical,” Newton said Thursday on his podcast, 4th&1. “I’m not saying Russell Wilson has not been playing good football. He’s just been playing good football versus inadequate teams. I’m not giving excuses.
“All I’m saying is you better win the games that you’re supposed to win. Russell Wilson and the Pittsburgh Steelers were supposed to win these games. You ain’t showing me nothing any different than what Justin Fields could’ve done.”
The point about Wilson not being quality teams has been beaten to death, and it’s still not exactly fair. It’s not like the Steelers chose their opponents. Yes, the Steelers were favored to win both games, but that’s not their fault. They can only play who’s in front of them.
Actually, once the New York Jets traded for Davante Adams, many people believed they would lose that game. The majority of people believed Wilson would come out and play poorly. He started slowly, but by the end of the game, he put together a great performance.
After that game, many people still didn’t believe in Wilson. Newton was one of those people, and it seems the game against the New York Giants hasn’t changed his opinion. Wilson did play well once again, but it seems the Steelers will have to beat a “good” team to convince Newton.
It’s curious what that means, though. The Jets and Giants aren’t great teams, but their defenses aren’t awful. Some of the teams with better records that the Steelers will play don’t have great defenses.
For instance, the Washington Commanders are a good team this year with a 6-2 record, but their defense isn’t anything special. If Wilson and the Steelers beat them in Week 10, will that change Newton’s mind because of their record?
It’s fair to say the Steelers may have won these two games with Fields at quarterback, but it would be foolish to not admit their offense has taken a step forward with Wilson. If Wilson was as inferior to Fields as people want him to be, then there probably should’ve been a significant step down.
