Russell Wilson has been named the starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers ahead of the upcoming NFL season, marking an intriguing new chapter in Wilson's illustrious career as he enters his 13th NFL season. Known for his resilience and playmaking abilities, Wilson's career has been defined by a complex mix of achievements and challenges.
Wilson's career has been characterized by his durability and ability to withstand pressure. Over his career, he has been sacked a staggering total of 527 times, averaging 43.9 sacks per year. This places him amongst the most sacked quarterbacks in NFL history, with only Tom Brady (565 sacks) and Fran Tarkenton (570 sacks) ahead of him. The projections suggest that Wilson will surpass these milestones, potentially reaching approximately 570.9 sacks by the end of the 2024 season.
Wilson’s Place in Sacking History
This dubious distinction places Wilson in notable company. Quarterbacks close to Wilson’s sack total include Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger with 554 sacks, and Aaron Rodgers with 531 sacks. The frequency and total number of sacks speak to both Wilson's longevity and the various offensive line struggles he has faced throughout his career. Each hit and sack represents a test of endurance, a battle Wilson has taken in stride.
Wilson’s attitude toward pressure and expectation is summed up in his own words. "I never had it to keep me going," he states, referring to whether doubt drives him. "I've never been -- I don't know why --- I've just never been worried about what other people think." His focus, instead, is on his faith and the game itself. "I think ultimately I focus on, as I mentioned to you guys -- obviously my faith means everything to me. God chose me for this, and He chose me to play this game," he explains. "I'm one of 32 men in the world that get to do what I do, get to play this game every day."
The Struggle Against Defeat
Moreover, Wilson's trajectory this season could include an unwelcome record: the number of different teams he's lost to. Currently, Wilson has suffered defeats at the hands of 29 different NFL teams. If he loses to both the Cleveland Browns and the Philadelphia Eagles this season, he will have experienced losses to 31 different teams. Such a record underscores the competitive parity in the NFL as much as it does Wilson's extensive career.
The Steelers are set to face the Browns in Week 12 and Week 14, and the Eagles in Week 15. Against the backdrop of these crucial matches, Wilson will either solidify his resurgence with the Steelers or inch closer to this unflattering milestone. Historically, only ten quarterbacks have lost to 30 different teams, emphasizing the significance if Wilson joins or exceeds this list.
Among active quarterbacks, Derek Carr shares a similar path, having lost to 30 different teams. The only teams Carr has not lost to are the Raiders and Panthers, both of which the Saints will face in their schedule. Additionally, Joe Flacco, now a backup with the Colts, has also been on the receiving end of defeats from 30 different teams, with the Lions remaining as the only team untouched by Flacco's losses. The Colts will play the Lions in Week 12, setting up yet another narrative of potential heartbreak or redemption.
A New Era in Pittsburgh
For the Steelers, the decision to bring on Russell Wilson as their starter opens a new chapter, beginning in Week 1 against the Falcons. Wilson’s tenure with the Steelers holds promise but also an air of cautious optimism. Veteran stability is what the team hopes Wilson will bring, while the shadow of the sack record and the number of potential team losses loom in the background.
Interestingly, if Wilson falters, Justin Fields has been mentioned as a potential contender for the starting quarterback position. This contingency underscores the Steelers' desire to balance experience with future potential, ensuring that the team's competitive edge is maintained throughout the season.
Russell Wilson’s journey with the Pittsburgh Steelers is set to be an intriguing saga that blends past experience, present challenges, and future possibilities. As the new season unfolds, all eyes will be on Wilson, not only to see how he performs under the weight of sacks and losses but also how he leads a storied franchise into their next phase. Each game will not only be a measure of skill and strategy but also of endurance and resilience, hallmarks of Wilson's remarkable NFL career.