Russell Wilson’s performance continues to stir mixed opinions, even as he leads the Pittsburgh Steelers to a 4-0 record this season. NFL analyst and former quarterback Dan Orlovsky isn’t convinced Wilson has what it takes to make the Steelers a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Speaking on ESPN’s Get Up, Orlovsky pointed to two critical flaws in Wilson’s game that could hold the team back.
“Statistically, Russell is the worst red zone quarterback in the NFL right now. That’s not an opinion; it’s a fact,” Orlovsky stated. Despite Wilson’s commendable start, his inability to deliver in the red zone remains a glaring issue. Poor red zone efficiency limits scoring opportunities, and for a team eyeing a championship, this is a fundamental weakness.
Orlovsky also highlighted Wilson’s struggles with sacks as another red flag. Over the past three games, Wilson has been sacked 11 times, placing him among the most pressured quarterbacks in the league. Orlovsky emphasized that this tendency to hold onto the ball too long not only stalls drives but also adds unnecessary risk to the Steelers’ offense. “Between red zone inefficiency and the sack issues, I just don’t see this offense as Super Bowl-caliber,” he concluded.
On the flip side, Wilson does have his supporters. Former Super Bowl champion Chase Daniel recently advocated for the Steelers to lock in a long-term deal with the veteran quarterback. During an episode of Facility, Daniel argued that Wilson has proven his worth and that the team should break its tradition of avoiding mid-season contract negotiations. “If Russell keeps playing the way he’s playing, his price will only go up,” Daniel remarked. He believes Wilson’s early success with the Steelers indicates he could be their franchise quarterback for years to come.
Daniel’s praise came before the Steelers defeated the Baltimore Ravens, a significant win that underscored Wilson’s leadership. However, Orlovsky’s concerns remain valid—can Wilson overcome his red zone struggles and reduce sacks to keep the Steelers’ Super Bowl hopes alive?
The upcoming Thursday Night Football matchup against the Cleveland Browns, led by Jameis Winston, will be a crucial test. With a chance to extend their winning streak to five games, Wilson must prove he can deliver in high-pressure situations. The stakes are high, and the debate around his abilities continues to grow.
