Steve Smith breaks down Russell Wilson’s debut with the Steelers

Russell Wilson stepped back into the starting lineup following his injury, replacing Justin Fields. Steve Smith, Carolina Panthers legend, broke it all down after a dominant win in Week 7.

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 16: Former Carolina Panther Steve Smith looks on during warm ups against the Buffalo Bills before their preseason game at Bank of America Stadium on August 16, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. / (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Justin Fields had 10 touchdowns in six games and the Pittsburgh Steelers were 4-2, but Russell Wilson, the preseason starter, was healthy again. Wilson got put back into the lineup over Fields, a decision that was met with a lot of controversy. All it did was yield a 37-15 win over the New York Jets. Carolina Panthers legend Steve Smith broke it down.

Steve Smith analyzes Russell Wilson's season debut

Russell Wilson completed 55.2% of his passes for 264 yards, two touchdowns, and a quarterback rating of 109 against the vaunted New York Jets secondary. It was a stellar display after missing the first six weeks of the NFL season. Carolina Panthers Ring of Honor member Steve Smith broke it down.

“If we take away the 1st read, will Russell Wilson make the 2nd or 3rd read?” 👀

We breakdown the Steelers’ offense against the Jets #PittsburghSteelers pic.twitter.com/OMVZoAp1zv

— Steve Smith Sr. (@SteveSmithSr89) October 24, 2024

Smith praised the Steelers' offensive game plan to use Najee Harris in the run game. This allowed them to perfectly execute the play-action pass, which led to really good plays. Off of that, the Steelers were able to get the ball to Darnell Washington and George Pickens routinely.

"With Russell Wilson in there, things moved pretty quickly. Now, the true question is going to be, as things go on, if we take away the first read, will Russell Wilson make the second or third read? You gotta believe, if he continues to do this, he has a great opportunity to resurrect his career in Pittsburgh."

- Steve Smith

Wilson sliced the Jets' defense up, utilizing George Pickens in what was one of the best showings of his career. The young wideout caught five passes for 111 yards and a touchdown against one of the best secondaries in football. That was partially due to Wilson's trust of him and the overall quality of play from the quarterback.

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