PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Early in training camp linebacker Payton Wilson said he was one of the best linebackers in the world at covering receivers. Now after giving up a touchdown, Wilson isn’t making excuses, saying he has to be better.
It was the second series for Tampa Bay Saturday night at Acrisure Stadium, on a second and 13 from the Steelers 15-yard line, Wilson was matched up with 5’10” running back Bucky Irving. The second-year linebacker said he was in good coverage but the throw from Bucs quarterback Teddy Bridgewater landed in Irvin’s arms for Tampa’s first touchdown.
“I should have just turned my head,” Wilson said as the team returned to practice Monday. “When you are in a position to make a play, you just got to make it. 100 out of 100 times I should make that play, but I just didn’t. I just have to turn my head around.”
It doesn’t seem like that play changed Wilson’s confidence. He said he’s a player the coaches can trust, even if he was in charge of communication for the defense during a game.
Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin is not going to question Wilson’s comments.
“You can’t go out there and not feel confident in your abilities and what you can do,” Austin said. “Payton does have ability to cover a lot of people because he can cover. He can run, he can bend, he’s got all the attributes to be an outstanding coverage linebacker. If he thinks he’s the best in the world, I’m going to encourage it.”
“We do think he can cover a lot of people one-on-one. He lost that one on Saturday, but that’s kind of the NFL. You are going to win some and you are going to lose some. I would put some money on it that he is going to win more than he loses.”
Wilson believes he’s gone from a player who didn’t want to make a mistake to one that is ready to make a big play. Saturday, he didn’t make the play. Wilson goes forward with the confidence, internally and from the coaches, he will make it next time.