Russell Wilson felt 'more fluid' after leading Steelers to MNF win
Quarterback Russell Wilson felt more at ease during the Pittsburgh Steelers' 26-18 win over the New York Giants in his second start of the season.
"I felt more fluid," Wilson said postgame, according to ESPN's Brooke Pryor. "I haven't really missed any games in my lifetime, and you miss five, six games, and you're just, 'OK, all right, you got to get your rhythm.' ... Sometimes it's not easy every possession, especially when you're going against good teams, and so you just respond. I think the most important thing is just response."
Pittsburgh tallied 426 total yards in the contest, and Wilson completed 20 of 28 pass attempts for 278 yards and one touchdown while boasting a 114.9 quarterback rating. The nine-time Pro Bowler set a franchise record for the most passing yards in the first two games, eclipsing Earl Morrall with 542 yards in Week 7 and Week 8.
Pittsburgh's passing game has improved since Wilson was tabbed to be the starter ahead of Week 7. Justin Fields, who started the first six games of the campaign, served as the third-string quarterback against the Giants due to a hamstring injury. Kyle Allen was Wilson's backup.
"I just thought he didn't need to warm up to it," coach Mike Tomlin said of Wilson's second outing. "A little less rust than the week before, but I'm not surprised by his capabilities."
Running back Najee Harris recorded his third consecutive 100-yard rushing performance in Monday's victory, averaging six yards per carry.
The Steelers enter the Week 9 bye atop the AFC North standings with a 6-2 record and are in the midst of their best start since they went 8-0 in 2020. But Wilson feels his team can't take the wins for granted.
"We haven't done anything yet. We're obviously sitting here at 6-2, which is a great thing, but it doesn't mean anything," he said.
Pittsburgh will return to action against the Washington Commanders on Nov. 10.