How Russell Wilson overcame initial adversity and boos in the Steelers' comeback win

All week, some had asked questions and completely disagreed when Steelers coach Mike Tomlin installed Russell Wilson as the team's starting quarterback and benched Justin Fields.

And as Wilson slowly started Sunday's game against the Jets, some boos and event chants for Fields could be heard at Acrisure Stadium.

“I really believe in being neutral,” Wilson said. “Don’t be too high, don’t be too low.”

Wilson ultimately won over the crowd and perhaps made Tomlin's decision look sensible, throwing for 264 yards and three total touchdowns to lead a 37-15 win over the Jets on “Sunday Night Football.” Wilson completed 16 of 29 passes and consistently challenged the Jets with downfield throws.

“I felt like it was playoff baseball,” Wilson said. “Started 0-for-2 but felt like I was getting hot. I kept telling the coach, “Hey, I’m getting hot,” and sure enough, we did. The guys did a great job up front giving me enough time to make throws, the guys made plays on the field and everything else.”

Wilson is trying to resurrect his career after his tenures with the Seahawks and Broncos ended unceremoniously, and Sunday represented a solid first step.

There were many who believed the Steelers should have stuck with Fields after he led the team to a 4-2 start and avoided turnovers, but Tomlin reportedly went long ranger and chose Wilson.

Although Fields is one of the NFL's elite running quarterbacks, he is not a great thrower. While Wilson is a far cry from his Super Bowl-winning days, he is an improvement in this category.

The Steelers made just two field goals in their first six possessions — and Wilson started 0-for-2, as he mentioned several times after the game — but Wilson's night changed after that defense intercepted Aaron Rodgers for the first time late in the first half the Jets ahead, 15-6.

Wilson orchestrated a four-play, 54-yard scoring drive – aided by a 29-yard pass interference from Sauce Gardner – that culminated in an 11-yard touchdown strike to George Pickens with 27 seconds left in the half.

“I thought, 'I think there's going to be a lot more of this,'” Wilson said, according to ESPN.

The Steelers then scored on all four drives of the second half, with Wilson adding a one-yard score to make it 23-15, before later hitting Van Jefferson from four yards out to make it 30-15.

Wilson will have a chance to beat both New York teams in consecutive weeks when the Steelers host the Giants on “Monday Night Football” in Week 8.

“It was special having my first home here and everything else,” Wilson said on the show. “Together we can achieve a lot. I think the biggest thing is that we left a lot open. There is much more to be had. I think we know that and we believe in it and we will keep getting better. Another win.”