Mike Tomlin: Slightly less rust for Russell Wilson, not surprised by his abilities

The Steelers were 4-2 with Justin Fields as their starting quarterback, so there was some risk to the team’s decision to move on to Russell Wilson before their week seven game against the Jets.

After two games, it’s hard to imagine anyone questioning head coach Mike Tomlin’s selection. The Steelers recorded a season-high 409 yards in beating the Jets in Wilson’s first start and they beat that by 426 yards in Monday night’s 26-18 win over the Giants. The team has recorded nine passing plays of more than 20 yards in the two wins and they have scored 63 points after averaging 20.7 points per game through the first six weeks.

Wilson was 20 of 28 for 278 yards against the Giants and the Steelers posted 167 yards on the ground as the improved passing game has made life more difficult for defenses across the board. After the win, Tomlin said he thought Wilson seemed far removed from his long layoff to start the season.

‘I just thought he didn’t need to warm up ready,” Tomlin said at his press conference. “A little less rust than the week before, but I’m not surprised by its capabilities.”

Wilson’s two seasons in Denver cast some doubt on those abilities, but his first two games in Pittsburgh were a lot more promising.