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Russell Wilson and the Steelers overcome a shaky start against the Jets

Russell Wilson and the Steelers overcome a shaky start against the Jets

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PITTSBURGH – Steelers Country, let’s forge.

Russell Wilson's debut with the Pittsburgh Steelers ended in a 37-15 victory over the New York Jets on “Sunday Night Football” as the quarterback completed 16 of 29 passes for 264 yards and two touchdowns. He also added a rushing touchdown as the Steelers defeated Aaron Rodgers and the Jets 409-323 and Jets receiver Davante Adams spoiled the opening game with his new team.

The beginning of Wilson's time in the black and gold uniform was unpromising. Thirty-one minutes after fans showered him with applause when he was announced as the starting quarterback in the game's opening faceoff, Steelers supporters let out hearty boos. Twice the Steelers went three-and-out in the first quarter. Wilson was 8 of 17 in the first half, and 44 of his 145 yards came on a jump ball to George Pickens, who scored the quarterback's first Pittsburgh touchdown from 11 yards 27 seconds before halftime, giving the team its first lead of the year competition.

In typical Steelers fashion, the defense provided plenty of options, and the ground game took off thanks to Najee Harris' 102 rushing yards on 21 attempts. Wilson's touchdown run gave the Steelers an eight-point lead midway through the third quarter, and his touchdown pass to Van Jefferson in the fourth put an exclamation point on his debut.

Wilson entered the 2024 season as the projected starter — or at least with an edge in every contest — until he suffered a calf injury during training camp. Justin Fields started the first six games of the season and the team went 4-2 despite lacking outstanding offensive play.

Pittsburgh will pay Wilson $1.2 million this season as the Denver Broncos remain on the hook for part of the five-year extension they gave the quarterback after acquiring him via trade from the Seattle Seahawks in March 2022 .

But Wilson lasted less than two seasons as Denver's starter and head coach Sean Payton had decided that his tenure with the team would not be tied to Wilson's. The Steelers parted ways with Kenny Pickett, and head coach Mike Tomlin saw an opportunity for a cheap upgrade for the veteran.

This story has been updated to include new video.

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