Statements
The arrival of Russell Wilson as the new quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers has generated substantial buzz, as he stands on the cusp of surpassing an undesirable milestone held by former longtime great Ben Roethlisberger.
In the 2024 season, Wilson is poised to overtake Roethlisberger in one particular career statistic: the number of times sacked. Despite its inevitability, this is an accolade that Wilson would likely prefer to avoid.
Approaching a Unwanted Milestone
Wilson is set to enter the 2024 season as the fifth-most sacked quarterback in NFL history. Currently, he is 27 sacks away from tying Roethlisberger, whose 554 career sacks place him third in the annals of league history. Only Hall of Famer Fran Tarkenton and the legendary Tom Brady have been sacked more frequently than Roethlisberger.
The steely quarterback from Pittsburgh had a storied 18-year career, capturing two Super Bowl titles, making three Super Bowl appearances, earning six Pro Bowl selections, and setting numerous individual records. At 35 years old, Wilson has already been sacked 527 times in his first 11 seasons. Averaging nearly 48 sacks per season, it is feasible that Wilson will surpass Roethlisberger's unfortunate record this season.
Revamped Offensive Line
However, the Steelers organization is optimistic about their revamped offensive line, which aims to provide better protection for their seasoned quarterback. They expect to field a significantly improved offensive line compared to recent seasons. The starting lineup is set to include rookies Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier, along with 2023 first-round pick Broderick Jones. This infusion of young talent and athleticism is expected to bolster the protection for Wilson, who has expressed excitement and optimism about his new team.
Wilson has been vocal about his renewed vigor as he prepares for his inaugural season in Pittsburgh. He stated, "I feel the fountain of youth, man. I just feel revived in every way — mentally, emotionally, spiritually. I feel confident. I think at some point you've got to know who you are — as a player, as a man, as a competitor."
Maintaining Perspective
Despite his proximity to an unenviable record, Wilson is not the most sacked quarterback still active in the NFL. That distinction belongs to Aaron Rodgers of the New York Jets, who enters the 2024 season fourth on the all-time list with 531 sacks. This adds a layer of perspective to Wilson's predicament as he navigates his career with the Steelers, striving to find balance and success without further adding to his sack tally.
As the 2024 season approaches, much attention will be on the performance and health of Wilson, as well as the effectiveness of the Steelers' offensive line. With ambitious rookie linemen and a strategic focus on protection, the team is hopeful they can minimize the number of sacks Wilson endures and help him avoid surpassing Roethlisberger's record. Nevertheless, the milestone looms, creating an undercurrent of tension amidst the surge of optimism surrounding Wilson’s tenure in Pittsburgh.
Wilson's Journey and Anticipation
Russell Wilson's journey offers fascinating storylines: a seasoned quarterback yearning for a fresh start, a team eager to protect its valuable asset, and the challenge of overcoming historical statistics. With a rejuvenated spirit and a reinforced offensive line, the Steelers and their fans can anticipate an exciting season, watching closely as Wilson strives to lead the team while steering clear of an unfortunate NFL record.
Reflecting on his renewed confidence, Wilson added, "I felt really good last year playing. I felt really confident, in the midst of everything. I think right now, I have all that confidence, times 10."
The Pittsburgh Steelers, with their retooled offensive line and seasoned quarterback, look forward to navigating the upcoming season with heightened expectations and a collective resolve to protect their leader on the field. The 2024 NFL season promises to be a compelling chapter in Wilson's storied career and the long and proud tradition of the Steelers franchise.