PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson gave his take on the last play in Cleveland with George Pickens. He also discussed how they fix the issues in the red zone and short yardage. Plus, why he thinks having the Hard Knocks cameras around helps them.
Support George
Looking at different angles of the Hail Mary play at the end of the Browns game, it appears Pickens is wrestling with Cleveland defensive back Greg Newsome as Wilson throws one up just before he was drilled. This is how Wilson viewed that play.
"George is always trying to make a play, obviously," Wilson said. "I think unfortunately I believe he was getting pushed out and he was trying to get to a spot where I threw it to. He got carried out of the end zone unfortunately. He was trying to fight for the ball and it's an unfortunate situation."
"We got so much belief in George, obviously he's proven that in what he is able to do for us. He's one of the world's best at what he does. I'm glad he's our teammate."
Red Zone
30th in the NFL hitting at only 44.7% in converting red zone opportunities to touchdowns and only 40% over the last three games, Wilson blamed it more on the early downs inside the 20-yard line.
"I think the thing is we have to stay on schedule on first and second down," Wilson said. "It's always about playmaking down there. I don't think we are far off. We've played two tough games over the past two weeks. I believe in us. I know how capable we are."
Wilson backed up what Mike Tomlin said in that they've studied a lot. One point they've made is they've had too many third-and-longs in the red zone.
"We got to make sure we are giving ourselves the best chance to run all of our red zone plays we practice," Wilson said.
"The reality is, if we light up the red zone we have the chance to do something really special."
Short yardage
Steelers failed on several third-and-short plays against Cleveland last week. Wilson was hesitant to give their scheme away for this week, saying it's more about them executing and being on the same page.
"At the end of the day, we got to find a way to get converted," Wilson said. "Maybe it's break a tackle, just find a way to find a way. That's what it is especially on third-and-ones and fourth-and-ones. It's all of us together and we know we are capable of that."
Wilson also said to not judge their whole season in short yardage based on the Cleveland game.
Justin time
The Steelers starter has been asked this a lot. His thoughts on having to come out of the game during weighty downs for back-up Justin Fields. So far, it's been exclusively on short yardage.
"We have certain packages for Justin, certain moments," Wilson said. "The game is a fluid game. It's one of those things as the game is going on we are just playing ball. I'm always ready to be out there, ready to rock and roll. When it's time for 'J' to go in, he is obviously going to make a great play for us, we believe."
"I think that's my thought process. I'm just receiving the calls and let's go after it."
Hard Knocks
The HBO series that gives fans a more inside look at Steelers practice and daily life. These cameras are in places cameras never go-whether that's closed practices, meetings, down time. Some, like captain Cam Heyward, don't want it at all. Truth be told, probably most feel that way, but Wilson spun it a different way.
"It's a great thing, honestly because it gets you prepared for where we want to go," Wilson said. "You have two choices a lot of times in these moments, you run from it, you fear it. Or, you embrace and understand it's part of the process of being great."
Russ said he wants more cameras, more attention because that means the team is succeeding. No one wants to be around a team that isn't winning. He's been around it ramping up for a pair of Super Bowl appearances with Seattle.
"The higher we go, the more people that want to watch and see what we are doing," Wilson said.
The 35-year-old says that's a positive.
