PITTSBURGH — During a recent practice session, tight end Darnell Washington of the Pittsburgh Steelers was focused on his route when he unexpectedly found himself the recipient of a pass. Washington was not anticipating the play; in fact, he was almost certain he was not one of the primary options. Positioned on the back side, he watched as a group of wide receivers and running backs prepared for the play. However, when quarterback Russell Wilson scanned the field, he opted not to force the ball to the crowded options ahead of Washington, pivoting left instead to connect with him for a significant gain.
When asked if receiving the ball caught him off guard, Washington admitted, “A little bit. I don’t know. I don’t know what was going on with the other people.” Wilson, on the other hand, appears to be in complete control of the offense as he leads the Steelers (9-3) to the top of the AFC North. The veteran quarterback, now 36, has undergone a transformative season, displaying an inclusive approach that has revitalized both his performance and the team’s strategy.
In a standout performance against the Bengals last week, the nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback distributed the ball to ten different teammates, accumulating a total of 414 passing yards. While notable star George Pickens received attention, Washington also made a mark alongside third-string tight end MyCole Pruitt and wide receiver Ben Skowronek, who turned a rare catch into a substantial gain during a series that concluded with one of Wilson’s three touchdown passes.
“You never know when it’s coming your way,” Skowronek remarked, highlighting Wilson’s unpredictable playstyle. A total of fourteen different players have caught passes from Wilson this season, showcasing the depth of the Steelers’ receiving corps. Among them is Mike Williams, who made a crucial 32-yard reception that ultimately secured a victory against Washington following his acquisition from the New York Jets. Skowronek, who spent time on injured reserve earlier this season, worried about losing his spot in the lineup, but he quickly realized Wilson’s approach eliminates the need for a fixed hierarchy among players.
“It’s like in baseball,” Wilson, a former minor league player, explained. “You’ll never hit a home run if you don’t swing. You’ve got to trust guys and trust yourself.” This self-assuredness has characterized Wilson throughout his career, despite facing challenges during his transition to Pittsburgh after a disappointing tenure in Denver. The Steelers were eager to bring him aboard, securing a one-year deal that has since flourished into a strong rapport with teammates.
What started as casual throwing sessions in San Diego has evolved into camaraderie-building team dinners and late-night brainstorming sessions with first-year offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. These collaborative efforts are evident on game days, with players like tight end Pat Freiermuth finding open space as Wilson improvises, or Wilson making strategic calls at the line to harness the talents of his teammates, such as the 43-yard connection with Van Jefferson that was instrumental in sealing a win against Cincinnati.
This collective effort has not just enhanced individual performances but also improved team morale. Smith articulated the importance of a united locker room, where players feel invested in the success of each other rather than simply being component pieces in the offense. This widespread involvement puts more pressure on opponents, forcing them to adapt to diverse plays rather than focusing solely on key players.
As Wilson gears up for his 195th career start against the struggling Browns (3-9), he emphasizes that every player on the team deserves a shot at involvement—no matter where they stand on the depth chart. “I think that the best part about it is that we’re all super close,” Wilson shared, attributing much of the team’s success to the strong relationships and bond they’ve cultivated over time.
With an impressive scoring average of 28.7 points per game since Wilson’s return from injury, the Steelers are no longer solely reliant on their defense. While head coach Mike Tomlin may still prefer the traditional defensive mindset, the team now embodies the capability to engage in high-scoring matches, if necessity arises. Should such a bout occur against the Browns, Wilson stands ready to leverage the talents of both familiar faces and newly emerging stars.
“We’ve got to love that part of it,” Wilson concluded. “We’ve got to embrace it and challenge ourselves. We do an extremely good job of that.”
