In the 2024 NFL season, the Pittsburgh Steelers sought to fill the void left by Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement by acquiring veteran quarterback Russell Wilson. Despite a calf injury sidelining him for the initial six games, Wilson’s return saw the team clinch six victories in his first seven starts. However, the season concluded on a sour note with five consecutive losses, marking an unprecedented downturn for the franchise in recent history.
Former NFL running back and current analyst, LeSean McCoy, offered a perspective that shifts the narrative surrounding Wilson’s tenure with the Steelers. Speaking on FS1’s “The Facility,” McCoy contended that Wilson contributed more to the team than he received in support. He stated, “I’ve watched Russ [Russell Wilson] help this team out. I watched Russell Wilson help the Steelers out more than a coach helping Russ out. You thought, going to a Steelers team, they had a great defense, and great culture. That’s all Russ needs to be with to be a winner. Well he didn’t get that. The defense was not good for Russ. And Russ was the only one that was actually putting some points up and balling.”
McCoy’s assessment underscores a critical analysis of the Steelers’ overall performance. Initially, Wilson’s leadership and experience translated into a series of wins, with the defense complementing his efforts. The synergy between Wilson’s offensive prowess and the defense’s resilience was evident during this period. However, as the season progressed, the defense’s effectiveness waned, exposing vulnerabilities that Wilson, despite his capabilities, couldn’t fully mitigate.
Statistically, Wilson maintained commendable performance metrics, but the declining defensive support led to increased pressure on the offense. This scenario highlights the challenges faced by a 36-year-old quarterback tasked with compensating for a faltering defense. McCoy’s argument suggests that the team’s infrastructure failed to provide the necessary support for Wilson to succeed consistently.
Looking ahead, the Steelers face pivotal decisions in the free-agent market. Wilson remains a viable option for Pittsburgh, especially when compared to other available quarterbacks. McCoy contrasted Wilson with Sam Darnold, noting, “I look at Sam Darnold. It’s like everything had to work well for him. He had a great coach. He had to get a really great wide receiver core, had to get a really great defense. And that still wasn’t enough for him.”
This comparison emphasizes Wilson’s ability to perform under suboptimal conditions, a trait that could be invaluable for the Steelers. While Darnold’s 14-3 record with a robust support system appears impressive, McCoy implies that Wilson’s resilience and adaptability make him a preferable choice, even if his record was less stellar.
The Steelers’ five-game losing streak at the end of the season raises questions about the team’s overall strategy and support mechanisms. McCoy’s insights suggest that bolstering the defense and enhancing coaching support could create an environment where Wilson, or any quarterback, can thrive. The onus is on the Steelers’ management to assess these factors critically as they plan for the upcoming season.
In conclusion, LeSean McCoy’s analysis provides a nuanced perspective on Russell Wilson’s impact on the Pittsburgh Steelers. His viewpoint challenges the conventional narrative, suggesting that Wilson’s contributions were substantial, even if not fully supported by the team’s defense and coaching. As the Steelers navigate the offseason, these considerations will be crucial in shaping a more balanced and effective team dynamic.
