Russell Wilson to Cost Steelers 18 TD, Says Mark Schlereth; Tells Arthur Smith to Run With Justin Fields

Russell Wilson hasn’t played a single snap as a Pittsburgh Steeler, but there’s a barrage of questions being fired his way already. Many have voiced that Justin Fields is a better option than the current Pittsburgh Steelers QB1. That’s because Russell Wilson has the potential to hamper the Steelers’ offense and cost them a touchdown every single game. His stats bring that picture to life.

Many also consider Wilson to be a bit shorter in height which causes visibility issues, and guess what it ultimately leads to? SACKS! In a recent episode of The Stinkin Truth Podcast with Mark Schlereth, the ex-Broncos Offensive Lineman pointed out how Wilson is averaging at least 2 sacks in a game. The ex-Broncos QB recorded 45 sacks in his last season with Denver. To some extent, it would be agreeable to say that one of those sacks can be a huge difference-maker. Something that can result in a game-winning drive.

“Russ, historically, if you look at the amount of sacks he takes, probably on average he’s taking 45 sacks a year,” said Schlereth and explained, “Now if you think about how it limits you as an offense, okay this is a big issue for Russ and the Steelers: You take 45 sacks a year say roughly three sacks a game, you got essentially 12 possessions on offense per game and if you take a sack in a possession it eliminates almost I mean, it gives you about a 12-18% chance of actually scoring any points on that drive. It essentially eliminates the drive.”

Data suggests that possession in 12 drives might lead to 20-23 points on average, which roughly amounts to “3 touchdowns and a field goal,” which will happen in 4 drives (one-third of the 12 possessions). Thus, the points come down to 17 or 21 as per the analysts, which screams bad news for the offense. Hypothetically speaking, if a similar path is carved out in the upcoming season and these stats play into action, Wilson could cause the Steelers one TD each game, resulting in almost 18 TDs.

As pointed out by the hosts, Wilson’s short height causes him visibility issues which results in him holding the ball longer than needed, ultimately resulting in a sack. In Schlereth’s words, Wilson was responsible for 35-40% of the sacks in Seattle. If one is supposed to take the stats only into consideration, then Russell Wilson is the fourth-highest sacked player in the league and per Mark Schlereth, this is a major problem for the Steelers that needs fixing.

Perhaps Arthur Smith, the new OC in Steelers can help Russ with his shortcomings. That’s also what Schlereth thought when he said, “I love Arthur Smith being there. Like if anybody is going to get the best out of either Justin Fields or Russell Wilson, I feel like it’s Arthur Smith, if he can allow himself to go back running the ball…” If he optimizes the team around Russell Wilson, the Pittsburgh team still has a chance to secure the top spot in the AFC North.

Arthur Smith and the rest of the Steelers’ crew might be the key to Russell Wilson’s success

The host on the show did not hesitate to mention, “The teams that he has been on have limited him [Russell Wilson].” Thus, with Smith in charge and Mike Tomlin holding the fort, there is a high chance that Wilson’s potential will be fully capitalized. In addition, a couple of new additions to the roster boost the team’s chance to make it to the playoffs and deliver to the Steel City fans what they have been waiting for.

Schlereth talked about it earlier in the podcast saying, “George Pickens is outstanding. I think [Pat] Freirmuth is a big-time tight end. They’ve got the two running backs in Najee Harris…[and] Jaylen Warren.” But more than the offensive players, it’s the Steelers defensive players that undoubtedly carry a lot of weight. Players like TJ Watt, Cam Heyward, Alex Highsmith, Mikah Fitzpatrick, and Patrick Queen are the holy grail of their defense.

There’s also one more thing that can push Wilson and Co to that ultimate success. It’s Mike Tomlin’s demeanor and selfless attitude toward the team. Characteristics like these help build good locker room relationships and aid in translating the same to the field. However, the Steelers have some high competition ahead of them in the upcoming season and at some point, they might have to play against the Chiefs, the Jets, the Dallas Cowboys, and some other playoff-worthy teams. One thing is for sure, if there is ever a time for Russell Wilson to prove himself, it’s now!