Russell Wilson had Pittsburgh Steelers fans collectively groaning after a red-zone blunder turned into a gift for the Baltimore Ravens. With the score tied early in the second quarter, Wilson opted for a gutsy move instead of a smart slide, and it backfired spectacularly.
Ravens supporters were all smiles as the fumble led to a Baltimore touchdown and served as an early turning point. Steelers fans, though, were left wondering: Why not keep it simple? It’s another rough chapter in Wilson’s season that’s got everyone talking.
Steelers QB Russell Wilson’s Risky Run Hands Momentum to Ravens
Wilson turned a prime red-zone moment into a Ravens highlight reel. In the first half of Saturday’s showdown, Wilson ditched the safe playbook, skipped the slide, and paid the price with a bone-rattling hit from the Ravens safety Ar’Darius Washington.
Here’s how it went down: Wilson broke free on second down, darting toward the 4-yard line with a nifty run. But instead of sliding, the veteran decided to channel his inner bulldozer — and ran headfirst into Washington. Bad move. Washington delivered a hit so nasty it sent the football flying (and probably Wilson’s game plan, too). The Ravens scooped up the ball and ran off with the momentum.
Fans? They weren’t exactly kind. Social media lit up with “Just slide, Russ!” chants as critics shredded Wilson’s decision-making. And let’s be real. With the score tied at 7-7, the Steelers simply needed to ensure they came away with points and established a lead.
That fumble wasn’t just a mistake; it was a vibe killer. With the Steelers fighting for playoff relevance, these blunders sting twice as hard. For Wilson, the message is clear — ditch the heroics, embrace the slide. Because as this game proved, staying upright isn’t always the winning play.
Fans Sound Off: Frustration, Laughter, and Classic AFC North Grit
Fans weren’t holding back, dissecting every angle of the fumble that shifted Saturday’s game.
“Russ got greedy, just slide,” one fan wrote, channeling the collective frustration of Steelers Nation. The hit from Washington felt avoidable. Fans were puzzled by the decision-making of a 36-year-old veteran.
Russ got greedy just slide 😭
— Drake 10 (@DrakesPats) December 21, 2024
“Costly turnover,” another fan posted, summing up the reality. At 10-4 and with the division title within their grasp, the Steelers needed points, not another giveaway.
Costly turnover!
— JB (@JB100x) December 21, 2024
Another fan commented, “Could’ve just slid.” Like, why risk a midsection-crushing hit when a slide secures the ball?
But not all reactions were negative.
“You gotta love these AFC North grudge match games!!!” a fan exclaimed, highlighting the gritty, physical nature that defines these clashes.
You gotta love these AFC North grudge match games!!!
— Chris For the Win (@superninerfan74) December 21, 2024
Even so, others couldn’t help but laugh, with one user asking, “Haha, what was Russ doing?”
For Wilson and the Steelers, this play will be one to review — and not for the highlight reel.