Russell Wilson and the Pittsburgh Steelers suffered a devastating 34-17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday. The veteran quarterback had a very poor game, as his turnovers gifted the Ravens the win.
Wilson not only fumbled the ball close to the end zone, but he also threw a pick-six that completely tilted the game in Baltimore’s favor. Steelers fans on social media were quite disappointed with his performance and raised concerns about his long-term future with the team.
Steelers Fans React to Russell Wilson’s Performance vs. Ravens
Wilson was 22-for-33 passing for 217 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. He got sacked three times and failed to take advantage after Minkah Fitzpatrick intercepted Lamar Jackson.
Here’s how the fans reacted on social media:
Yep done with the russell wilson experiment
— Maverick (@RitsonTaymeg) December 22, 2024
“Russell Wilson is NOT an AFC North quarterback,” said one fan.
Another fan added, “Russell Wilson is the reason the Steelers lost today. No way around it, he’s regressing into the QB Denver let walk for $39 million.”
How does Mike Tomlin feel now about his decision when Russell Wilson can't beat a good team when it matters the most? #steelers #pittsburgh
— عاطف داؤد (@aTiFdAwOoD) December 22, 2024
“28 pt swing by Russell Wilson turnovers. No wonder Sean Payton shipped you* *** out of Denver,” wrote a fan.
russell wilson is the sole reason why pitt lost this game the sole reason he did everything dumb today he left no dumb stone unturned not one
— DC Scorpio (@deonharris513) December 22, 2024
In nine games this year, Wilson has thrown for 2,129 yards, 15 touchdowns, and four interceptions, completing 64.9% of his throws with a passer rating of 101.7.
The 36-year-old quarterback has played considerably well over the course of the season, but that has resulted in high expectations. Wilson’s two worst games of the season have come against the Ravens, and it is a huge concern as the Steelers will likely play Baltimore in the postseason.
While fans have suggested the franchise part ways with the nine-time Pro Bowler, NFL insider Jordan Schultz recently mentioned that Wilson could get a three-year, $100 million deal from the franchise after this season.
Whether or not Wilson will sign a long-term deal to stay in Pittsburgh will depend on how he plays for the rest of the season. If he continues to struggle against good teams, the Steelers might not commit to him.
Steelers Are at Risk of Losing the Division
With the loss in Week 16, the Steelers now have the same record as the Ravens (10-5). Pittsburgh has already made the playoffs but is now at a significant risk of losing the division.
The Steelers have to play the Kansas City Chiefs and the Cincinnati Bengals to close out the season, while the Ravens will go against the the Houston Texans and the Cleveland Browns.
Pittsburgh’s remaining games are harder than Baltimore’s, which is why Wilson and Co. are under pressure to make a statement in the Christmas game against the Chiefs.
Unfortunately for the Steelers, the Chiefs will be motivated as well. The defending Super Bowl champions have the opportunity to seal the AFC’s first seed with a win against the Steelers, and they will be determined to get that taken care of so they can sit their starters in Week 18.
The win against the Steelers was a huge one for the Ravens, as Jackson snapped his four-game losing streak against Pittsburgh. The two-time NFL MVP will now be much more confident about facing them if the two teams play each other in the playoffs.
Wilson desperately needs a bounce-back game against the Chiefs on Christmas; otherwise, fans will start demanding the franchise start Justin Fields. Luckily for the Steelers quarterback, he will probably have George Pickens available the next time he steps on the field. The wide receiver is crucial for the team’s success, as the team is 1-2 without him.