Coming into the season, former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Chris Hoke had quite a few reservations about Russell Wilson as the starting quarterback for the Steelers, especially after a rough performance against the Buffalo Bills in the preseason.
There were concerns about the overall fit in Arthur Smith’s scheme, Wilson’s lack of mobility at this point in his career, and the struggles targeting the middle of the field.
Then, Wilson got hurt, Justin Fields took over and led the Steelers to a 4-2 start. Many wanted the Steelers to stick with Fields once Wilson was healthy, including Hoke.
Mike Tomlin didn’t do that, going “lone ranger” in turning to Wilson. Through two games, he’s been rewarded as Wilson has looked quite good and the Steelers head into the Week 9 bye at 6-2 on the season.
For Hoke, he’s been pleasantly surprised by Wilson’s performance in the first two games. Appearing on the 93.7 The Fan Joe Show with host Joe Starkey Thursday, Hoke praised Wilson and his deep ball, which have helped unlock the passing game for the Black and Gold.
“I would say the deep ball [sets him apart]. I think he’s doing a good job with throwing the ball. But I think I saw something where he is 5-for-7 on balls over 20 yards, and he’s throwing the ball up in the air in a way that allows people to go up and get the ball. And if you watch, and I think some of the times people say, ‘Where’d that ball go? Why’d he throw that ball away? Or why did he throw that guy ball behind him?’ If you go back and watch the tape, he sees the field, man,” Hoke said of Wilson, according to video via 93.7 The Fan on YouTube. “And listen, I’ve been actually pleasantly surprised. Coming from Seattle and Denver, he was a great quarterback, Hall of Fame-type quarterback, but we never really watched him.”
During his time in Seattle and Denver, primarily in Seattle, Wilson had a great career before joining the Steelers. He won a Super Bowl with the Seahawks, appearance in another, was a nine-time Pro Bowler and was one of the best quarterbacks in the league year after year.
Late in his time in Seattle, though, things started to derail just a bit, leading to his trade to Denver. There, things completely went off the tracks in 2022, but he bounced back in 2023. However, Broncos head coach Sean Payton didn’t like him and didn’t want him, leading to Wilson becoming available.
Those questions lingered because of how Payton dumped him, but to Wilson’s credit he’s silenced them in the first two games. Add that many people seemingly were against the move of Tomlin turning to Wilson, and so far his performance has led to some vindication.
Key behind that vindication has been Wilson’s deep ball and his work in play-action, which has added another dimension to the Steelers’ offense.
“There was a lot of people that, that didn’t want to put Russ Wilson there and wanted to keep riding with Justin Fields. But the reality is, man, the deep ball has been so impressive,” Hoke said. “His ability to put the nicest tough touch on the balls, he’s dumped these balls, where Justin Fields, a lot of the times where he got himself in trouble is when he would throw just beeline balls. Straight-line balls.
“He’s putting the ball up in the air. And that makes it very difficult for defenders, ’cause he’s putting it in up in the air and places where only receivers can catch it.”
That’s been the key with Wilson. He’s seeing the field well, and isn’t afraid to take chances down the field.
His receivers are helping him out, too, making plays on the ball in the air. It’s leading to explosive plays down the field, which is really opening things up for the Steelers’ offense.
Wilson has looked good through the first two games of the season. He’s dealing in the passing game and is providing great leadership offensively. It’s been a pleasant surprise, without a doubt.
