Grading Russell Wilson's Steelers Debut

Breaking down Pittsburgh Steelers QB Russell Wilson's debut and victory over the New York Jets. #Steelers #Jets #RussellWilson #SteelersDepot
Check out more at Steelersdepot.com.

[@vegastjg]

There's a different feeling knowing you have a Superbowl winning qb that has over 40k career yards passing at the helm.

[@MaritaSanchez-el9tp]

❤❤

[@moheganson]

Exactly a QB job is to PASS first

[@MaritaSanchez-el9tp]

,😳💥🆗

[@pathutchison7688]

Agreed. I hope the fans can get behind him. He was wasted in Denver.

[@robdishjr4912]

U mean a qb who can actually read a defense and throw?

[@damianelswick8828]

The throw to Muth on the boot is showing the baseball background for Russ. That quick action in an unusual arm slot.

[@Alex_Kozora]

@@damianelswick8828 for sure

[@BillUberprick]

Maholmesish :)

[@MaritaSanchez-el9tp]

@@damianelswick8828 🆗😳💕🥰

[@pathutchison7688]

It’s nice to see a veteran who does all the little things right. We were spoiled by Ben. I know Wilson isn’t the guy he was 10 years ago, but he’s a QB that is capable of winning playoff games. His Denver situation was a disaster, and I don’t think he can be blamed. We will get the best out of him. We still badly need a number 2 receiver. I’m never gonna stop saying that.

[@keim3548]

I would argue Russ is better than 10 years ago. With decent offensive line play, scrambling, and running around off schedule is overrated and foot speed is the only thing he’s lost since 10 years ago

[@Ezees23]

I believe we have all that we really need in CA3 and our other WRs, TEs, and RBs. The problem so far has been our grossly underutilization of them all, IMHO. Note that JF mainly (or only) looks to throw to WRs - while either being afraid to or refusing to DECISIVELY throw to our TEs and RBs. Many times there's been lots of yards, YACs, and TDs that were left on the field by his indecision - of course, IMO....

[@rikkihodgins3613]

Ya it’s nice having a qb who can read defenses at a high level and pick up blitzes and deep ball

[@Stroggoii]

Prime Manning wouldn't make the playoffs with the 2020's Broncos. That team is fucked.

[@keithmuir1137]

After Russ shook off the rust, He was lookin good. It was nice to see him take charge at the line. Been a long time since we have had that! Thanks Alex. Great work! Kudo's to Fields too! Keeping things good till Russ got healthy!

[@donmiguel4848]

Tomlin knows that Russ arm talent is something special you can't just learn by watching. Most QBs don't have it, but Russ does and he doesn't get credit for that by the most people who don't understand the value of a well placed pass with adjusted trajectory. Justin has a strong arm and can make laser throws, but these are difficult to catch and easy to intercept.

[@kurtisdavis1415]

"Hey everybody! Alex Kozora. Steelers Depot" just what I need while working

[@Alex_Kozora]

Have a great day, Kurtis!

[@troy4343]

Me too.. Alex legit 💪🏿💪🏿

[@ahgasegg1205]

Feels like it's been forever since the Steelers have been able to just annihilate a team. Even last week wasnt THIS. These guys look unstoppable right now

[@jtfike]

they were losing for an entire half....

[@quocnguyen5971]

The deep ball, down the sidelines to the back shoulder is a throw that Wilson has done his whole career with guys like Doug Baldwin and Golden Tate. It wasn’t a short pass, it was intentional.

[@SteelSquad412]

lol when you put that amount of air under the ball, you’re not aiming at a back shoulder. Yall really have bought into the back shoulder excuse everytime a qb throws a pass that wasn’t 100% accurate but was caught anyway. It’s easy to say “that was suppose to happen” or “he did that on purpose” . when in reality the odds of making those back shoulder passes when throwing 25+ yards down the field is like 4/10 that it would actually land on the back shoulder. Especially when there’s a lot of air under the ball . As a qb you sacrifice your ability to place the ball precisely where you want it the longer the ball is in the air . Just because Wilson has done it before doesnt mean it was intended everytime the receiver has to stop his route to jump up for the ball.

[@likejimi5845]

​@@SteelSquad412 eh move it up to 6/10 with Pickens 😌

[@Majic88888]

@@SteelSquad412 A top tier NFL QB is more than capable of aiming a deep ball to the sideline (outside shoulder) and the receiver is drilled to leave that sideline space as wiggle room. Pickens did not jump up to get that ball - he slowed and turned and it was there on his outside. I'm not saying you are wrong in this case - it's impossible to know - but just saying a guy like Russ is capable of aiming a long ball to the sideline.

[@ebobbyclaire]

@@quocnguyen5971 and Locket

[@johnwebb5614]

I'm glad you mentioned the OL. They have been way better than they've been in years and are at least satisfactory.

[@pathutchison7688]

@@johnwebb5614 B Jones tho… he’s regressing before our eyes. We are lucky Dan Moore has improved like he has. Seamalu is the unsung hero. And good rookies and backups plugging in have been a big help. Jaylen Warren getting healthy adds an explosive weapon as well.

[@ebobbyclaire]

Russ needs a team that validates him . Incourage him and you will see him throw better than he has in years . The coaching staff in Pittsburg is the best thing for Russ . Denver was the worst .

[@musarra195]

Totally agree. Much better fit imho

[@scorpiofrancis1119]

100%. His confidence grows when the coaching staff has his back. Sean Payton is an egotistical ass, that didn’t want Russ before day one

[@willie6208]

Pittsburgh

[@ebobbyclaire]

Russ looked 10 years younger

[@renecarteir8092]

The receivers came to play! They were making great catches on bad throws 💪

[@lewisharrell8558]

Exactly, what are we seeing? Let’s not act as if they were great throws. I am a Russ fan but come on now. Keep the same energy the rest of the season for the bandwagoneers. We know you guys change like the wind.

[@micahmennenga8993]

I was at this game! So much fun!

[@Alex_Kozora]

I bet! Glad you could go.

[@tagon70]

Now you gotta go to everyone.. You bought good energy, my man!!

[@michaelbooth4998]

A+++++ LIGHT UP THE ENTIRE TEAM!!!

[@keithdawson4925]

Good take Alex! As a retired semi pro coach you could coordinate my offense any day.

[@mutatedgenome]

Great tape breakdown Alex. Amazing what good play action will do for you.

[@Kelump6619]

Glad I stumbled on you and Steelers Depot 2 years ago

[@valiford2441]

Alex, thanks for playing the play all the way through a few times without that stop and stutter nonsense other analysts do. It's is good to see the flow the play all the way through without constant stops and starts.

[@Alex_Kozora]

Welcome! I try to do that at least once or twice b/c I like to have that too.

[@Lodz505]

Wilson during his prime had stats better or equivalent to Brady and Manning.

[@chriskend5315]

Thank you for touching all the bases,Alex. Keep on bring that Steelers 🔥.

[@tristinjones2]

I feel like wilson is putting the ball exactly where it needs to be

[@jtfike]

Bouncing off helmet of defender is not where it needs to be. First play action video demonstrated wrong read. He missed two wide open receivers down field…. Sigh

[@tristinjones2]

@@jtfike other then that 1 man shit atleast the ball getting to gp finally

[@manifestra2003]

@@jtfike 1ST game Russ played in 10 months, NO 1st team reps in training camp, BARELY played in preseason. C'MON dude. EVERY QB would be rusty!

[@jtfike]

@@manifestra2003 Don't make excuses, man. I'm responding to someone who said every ball was exactly where it needed to be. No one cares about rust. It was a ridiculous statement. It needed to be corrected.

[@jtfike]

@@tristinjones2 Like the way GP dropped a perfect pass in the end zone against the Raiders?

[@FatEven-i8j]

Russell playing Great Football

[@FatEven-i8j]

Great Call Coach

[@Clintdaddy412]

I think you gotta put more respect on Russ name he is absolutely in that Peyton Manning Tom Brady cerebral QB bracket Wilson is one of the most efficient and accurate QBs of all time.

[@moheganson]

As a Pats fan I’d say he’s the greatest or most accomplished true dual threat QB Brady is unequivocally the GOAT tho and it’s not even close

[@alexm2889]

I hope we get the best of him going forward... But let's not get crazy here

[@natetewkesbury]

*I have a list of QBs that I rank called the Elite 11. The 11 greatest QBs to ever play the game. Brady, Manning, and Roethlisberger are all on that list. From 2001 to 2021, one of those 3 legends were gonna take their team to SuperBowl as AFC Champions. I also have Rodgers and Mahomes ranked as the 11 best. My debate has always been with Drew Brees and I do not have Brees on the list. I have Brees and Russ Wilson as the final cuts. The point is that Russ is definitely a Top Tier, level one QB who I would also say is the greatest "Dual Threat QB" to ever play the game. Although I do think Lamar has been closing in on Russ*

[@thomasressler]

Good analysis. Thank you for putting this together.

[@adamlegion13]

TV tape (real time) view of Russ pulling up from his boot action and getting the ball to Muuth in stride was a reminder - excessive mobility is not needed to beat a pass rush. Haven’t seen many head up plays like that since Ben (who smoked pass rushers a lot with his arm).

[@jaredmayak2659]

Great video breakdown as always Alex. Thanks! I was wrong about Russ and Beanie last game. They shut the critics up. Hope the offense can keep up the production.

[@pathutchison7688]

Was waiting for this exact vid.

[@Alex_Kozora]

@@pathutchison7688 thanks for watching Pat!

[@pathutchison7688]

@@Alex_Kozora I watch them all. Thank you for making them.

[@natetewkesbury]

​@@Alex_Kozora*Alex when does WR Skowronek come back from IR ?? And do you think players like CB Trice gets his Dimebacker role back from SS Edmonds ?? Does Kazee still come in for Elliott in the Dime package as well ?? What are your thoughts moving frwd Alex with those questions??*

[@Alex_Kozora]

@@natetewkesbury Not sure. Hasn't been an update on him. Yeah I think Trice can get it back. They were putting Kazee out there in place of Elliott before so they could go back.

[@natetewkesbury]

@@Alex_Kozora *Well Alex I asked b/c I wanted to know what you would do or what you think the Steelers actually do ?? Me, myself thinks it just seems logical that both Trice and Kazee get there original roles back in the Dime sub-package. And I suspect Cam Sutton will be the primary Nickel Slot but I don't think Bishop is completely phased out with zero snaps. You agree Alex ??*

[@michaelbooth4998]

FIRST CLASS TOP SHELF

[@garret6464]

Saw some hot takes from random people about the QB switch. Knew there was more to it than “fields is 4-2 these guys are stupid.” Good video

[@hazegraystudios]

Never doubted Russ. Did you think Russ was broke or the Denver Broncos were broke? This guy can play.

[@mikeirwin6421]

Having a QB that effectively plays from under center is very beneficial. Fields is under center a very small %. Russ makes play action happen. Plus I think it's obvious that Russ is better at pre-snap defense recognition

[@quocnguyen5971]

No defense bites on Fields play action because he won’t make the throws down the field.

[@keim3548]

The way Fields executes play action is worse than many high school quarterbacks. I think because of small hands and ball security. He is afraid to really sell the fake. Also, Russ is much more decisive in his three and five step drops. Fields takes so long to drop back that he loses at least a tick or two in the pocket.

[@jimmymacnutrition6628]

​@@keim3548Bingo. Slow dropbacks and handoffs allow holes to close for runners.

[@gjs_5554]

I wish Russ would have been able to start the whole year, Justin hasn’t played bad, but he needs to develop his passing game and no better way than to learn from a future hall of fame qb if Justin’s passing game gets elite he will be scary with how talented he is.

[@mrhead6856]

Me too Steelers would be 7-0 right now ...I absolutely mean that

[@donmiguel4848]

Justin has his athleticism and Russ can't learn that from Justin by watching him. Why do so many people think that Russ genius gift, his arm talent and touch, can be learned by watching. Justin will never achieve Russ passing, he is practicing passing for a decade and he just can't.

[@gjs_5554]

@@donmiguel4848 not saying Justin will get Russel’s arm talent by watching him but he will learn when to throw a touch pass or bullet he mostly just throws bullets when it should be a touch pass, and also when to throw wide receivers open, Justin’s pocket pass game is not where it should be for being in the league as long as he has and a big part of that is being on the bears with bad development watching Russ and Russ coaching him as well as the Steelers coaches will be a big help with him becoming a pocket passer that can run if need be.

[@selaxlife7621]

6:53 that was beautiful! Kenny Pickett would have turned into a washing machine and spinned away while yelling "mommy!"

[@TheCHOSENOneJones]

STEELERS NATION! STAND UP!!

[@michaeldettore5224]

Don't forget it's Russ first regular season game action in 10 months and it's his first game playing with his new team and WRS. Wait til Russ gets the deep ball dialed in and hits them boys in stride like he did for lockett and DK

[@jbruder02]

Good stuff, Alex

[@ross798]

Nice to see the stat comparison between Fields and Wilson. Fields is a nice guy, but I could not help but notice all the hype over nothing . He was not tearing it up, he was, in a field of 32 starters, the bottom 1/3. In case everyone forgot, he played the same way in Chicago and they found another quarterback. NO TEAM wanted Fields as their starter, they all envisioned him as a backup and that's why nobody offered the Bears anything for him. Thy got a good deal by getting a 6th round pick for someone who is a backup.

[@jtfike]

for passing yards maybe. He was top five for 3rd down conversions, time of possession, and TDs...you know...the things that win games.

[@algini12]

Great job Alex. Hope you do an analysis on McCollum at some point To me, a miracle practice squadder with one previous start 3 years ago handles Williams and plays near lights out. I'm not seeing anything on what he did well/bad anywhere. I'd like your take on it.

[@keim3548]

I won’t blame Steelers fans because they haven’t seen good quarterback play in probably a decade, but these passes to Pickens are not under thrown. Pickens does not have hardly any separation, but he is open because of his height if Wilson were to throw the ball down field instead of back shoulder, the cornerback would have an equal shot at the ball instead of having to go through the body of Pickens to get to it. Also don’t give Fields too much credit for throwing line drives.He throws line drives because he doesn’t have as much ability to gauge speed and distance which is what you need to throw with a lot of arc. If he is going to develop beyond a Colin Kaepernick level of quarterback play, he needs to master NFL throws.

[@jtfike]

A ball that bounces off of defender helmet is underthrown. 15 passes into the dirt, we’re all underthrown. Get glasses. Stop trying to act like you understand football.

[@mlee81]

From what I see, you start Russell Wilson and work to extend Fields

[@tjwengert6748]

That PFF graphic comparing Fields and Russ feels a little misleading given Russ has played one game and it came against a secondary running on fumes. It’ll be interesting to revisit that graphic after the Washington game maybe. Once the sample sizes are little closer (albeit they’re still matchup dependent)

[@tjwengert6748]

Not to take a lot away from Russ. Looking at PFF grades, his overall and passing grade were below Justin’s first four games, but higher than Field’s last two and I’d agree with that. I think Russ got a lot of production/chunk plays on 4-5 plays that were Pat and George contested catches or called PIs (which those throws were nearly accurate either, just close enough and backup DBs can’t help themselves). At the end of the day, I think the Steelers will continue to win with their defense and the offense is gonnna go from boom/bust based on what plays Fields can create with his legs/ the threat of his legs. And with Russ it’ll be boom/bust based on 50/50 throws. That said I think this is gonna be seen as Russ’s high water mark as a Steeler

[@shawnharden7558]

Fields told us that he ran what the coach called. He wasn’t changing any plays at the line

[@occamsox5331]

Is “Moonball” officially the nomenclature of the season? I’ve never heard this terminology in decades of watching football. Newspeak is so confusing sometimes.

[@afr0plays342]

7:00 the play that piece it together and they say Pickens doesn’t block… proceeds to block two dudes

[@jbatina]

To be honest, I really wasn’t thrilled with either QB pick up during the off season. Wilson is definitely on the downhill side of his career and was worried about whispers of him being a bad teammate. Fields on the other hand has all the physical intangibles, size, arm, athleticism but struggled with seeing the field and could never really get it going consistently. Watching the other night, Wilson definitely brings some life to the passing with the deep ball trajectory and finding guys that Feilds typically didn’t. That said, I for one would think it would be interesting to see fields have short yardage and goalie packages. I’ll end with this, I’m rooting for Fields to find his way. Get better at processing what the defense is doing and seeing guys that he misses with his eyes. Learn a little touch certain throws as well as height on the go ball. From the things you have written and other things I’ve read, the dude is a hard worker, great teammate and of high character. That’s a guy I can root and hope for

[@jlamedia744]

Honestly Pittsburgh Rub routes have been huge improvement

[@threezysworld8089]

People keep saying that Wilson pass was under thrown but think he was throwing to the 35 yard line.

[@jtfike]

I didn’t know yard lines caught the ball

[@threezysworld8089]

@@jtfike There's a lot of stuff you don't know 'Casual Carl'

[@jtfike]

@@threezysworld8089 That's great. 35 yard lines still don't catch the ball.

[@threezysworld8089]

@@jtfike Cool feel free to stop making a fool of yourself whenever you'd like little guy 😂😂😂

[@viboy81]

Btw, the run game has to be some what effective for PA to work. Without it the defense isn’t affected by the PA

[@davidhidalgo5662]

That back shoulder throw to Pickens early on is one of the worst no call pass interference I have ever seen The DB grabbed his head and didnt let Pickens turn his head around to see the ball. It was completely ridiculous. We all knew there would be rust but the way they trusted Russ to actually run the offense was huge. Justin even said he was not allowed to make changes at the line. Justin said if it was a run call then we run. So Russ being able to make changes at the line is good for our Offense and things will only get better, I think the more Russ gets to run the offense. I have hope and hope can be a bad thing. LOL

[@21Kolb]

Hey mom! Get in here Alex just posted !!!!!

[@fishtailfuture]

I love some of these commenters. Sorry, but nobody throws a perfect ball every time. That's the thing about fields. He would have to throw that ball in stride perfectly with the trajectory he uses for Pickens to make a catch. The whole point of a touch ball or a Russell Wilson type ball is that you don't have to be perfect. You get it up there in a place where a taller more athletic receiver can outplay the defender and that is exactly what happens. Do you try to throw the perfect in stride ball that's three times harder and less likely to happen or do you throw a ball, that might be a 50-50 ball, or if you have a top receiver, it's more like an 8020 ball. You throw the 8020 ball.

[@KricitalAthleticS]

Where do you access this film from???

[@jamesforeman7751]

Justin Fields can't call audibles because he can't read defenses. He's a one read QB

[@jlamedia744]

I agree with you

[@razorsedge7100]

This guy isn't a 25 year old Terry Bradshaw. He's a 35 year old semi wash up has been. They drafted Pickett 2 years as a No. 1 pick then traded him away to the Eagles. Does this organization give you the impression they know what they're doing? And tomlin is a genius?

[@marineraider-1138]

Am I out of touch, but since when was the rainbow pass changed to Moon Ball.

[@drb4074]

Both descriptors have been around forever. I've heard them both for at least 40 years.

[@QuickHittinEm]

I strongly disagree with those other QBz that you mentioned having a higher football IQ than Russ, who mastered the offense that he was drafted into

[@NimaN21]

I give Russ a B+ room for improvement for sure but showed enough flash and plays on weighty downs

[@tavitajeremiah1446]

Throw it up, throw it up and short

[@kurtspitzer9116]

My grade for you is D minus , couldn't even get to the 4 min mark. You showed the play action pass in the flat 5 times!

[@drb4074]

He loops the play as he's talking, you putz.

[@georgeburdine5660]

Man what a difference between a real QB, and a glorified running back. Plus a lot of the skills guys get to participate in a game.

[@187nags]

this Offense is just better with him under center, every player seemed to just played better with Russ

[@yousircantknow8987]

He still can't throw incuts into the middle or lasers outside the numbers. Beating the dilapidated Jets is as impressive as besting the depleted Saints.

[@infinity2z3r07]

Russ just spins it better. Much more catchable

[@daveshipley2774]

It's just not rocket science. Wilson is a way better QB as far as knowledge and passing. For the Tomlin haters. Wilson is better than Fields. Fields does have his spectacular traits n should be a weapon someway in this offense

[@jasonbodine6033]

First to not care!

[@Alex_Kozora]

Hey Jason!

[@moheganson]

Thought u might break down the high heeled Trump streaker

[@Stroggoii]

Fields has discipline and strenght but he's no "Lamar Jackson 2.0". And he obviously didn't learn shit in the Bears. He needs more time in the oven. Wilson can be chaotic but he knows how to win, and how to lose a Super Bowl. So he'll make much more impactful plays and not put all the pressure to score on Boswell.

[@jayarsipsilap9098]

JAYLEN WARREN !!!!!...THAT GUY PLAYS HARD EVTERYTINME.... PITTSBURGH PAY THAT MAN!!!!

[@jtfike]

Dude, the first play action you showed, Steelers receivers (multiple) were wide open deep and Russ dumps it off to the flat and you call that successful? Russ made the wrong read.

[@jtfike]

can find the play I'm referring to at 2:47

[@drb4074]

Nope. Play is clearly designed to isolate the outside backer engaged with the TE (Washington). As soon as the TE "lets" the OLB get past him, the QB puts it over the OLB's head for a free completion to the TE. If the OLB sniffs it out and stays with the TE, the QB is safely out of pocket, away from pressure, and then makes his reads up the field. Pickens on a deep cross or the clearout WR running a deep corner. That play design is read from the short to the long, dependent on how the isolated OLB reacts.

[@nilesdragons65]

First !

[@Alex_Kozora]

Hello!

[@stansova3138]

blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. NYJ are weak! Good game to start Russ!

[@carltonclaboine2855]

Your commentary was pretty cool but you can keep the racist statements out of it because Russell Wilson is just as smart as any of them other quarterbacks you named. You didn’t think anyone would catch that did you?

[@YoMomma.___.]

Rings speak for itself bud 😂 and im black btw

[@walterworthy7494]

Can't we stop doing this, please? Not every statement made has to be taken into context of race. He stated that Russ is not as good at reading the defense pre-snap as a few of those who were known as some of the best to ever do it. You also assume that pre-snap reads equate to intelligence. It is just as much talent as it is intelligence. In no way, shape, or form was he belittling or stating that Russ is less intelligent, race or otherwise. Alex presents some of the best coverage in football that you'll find on YT, even if it's specific to the Pittsburgh Steelers. If you can't handle Alex stating a simple fact that Russ is not as good those Hall of Fame QB's mentioned in one area of the game then you might want to take thin-skinned views elsewhere.

[@carltonclaboine2855]

@@walterworthy7494 Is the comment he made factual? Have you done any study and if you haven’t what would make you make such a statement?

[@walterworthy7494]

@@carltonclaboine2855 Okay, fair enough. Let's say it's conjecture since no one has provided any facts. Nothing he said had anything to do with intelligence, especially in regards to race and you've not provided any factual evidence that is was. It's still purely conjecture on your part. So I politely ask again, please stop.

[@YoMomma.___.]

@@carltonclaboine2855 Your comments only prove what you think of yourself subconsciously…

[@Greg_211]

I got nothing against Russ, really I don't. Great guy, hall of fame resume', multiple pro bowls, etc. But all this gushing over what he did on Sunday night has got to stop. It was an ok game. I hardly consider an underthrown moonball one-handed circus catch, a pass interference call on another long ball, a bobble, drop, and re-catch off a players helmet to be high level throws. Pickens made him look really good that night. Also find it funny how nobody mentions how pedestrian the offense looked in the 1st half before a brain fart INT from Rodgers over the middle of the fields with a minute left bailed them out. This game was won on the back of the defense, same as previous weeks. Me personally, I need to see a bit more before I crown Russ the savior!

[@SBphd]

Steeler fans are hilarious. Fields was the answer....the best QB since Bradshaw a few weeks ago and now Wilson is the answer. Wilson is old and slow and Fields can't throw. The big difference is that Wilson throws the ball down field. Fields would be better but he can't throw like an NFL QB. Pickett was better than both of these guys. Steelers go 9-8 and lose in the wild card game. They are probably not even that good.

[@threezysworld8089]

The season is 17 games 😂

[@SBphd]

@@threezysworld8089 OK...9-8. They still suck.

[@Wild_D]

That was all the insecure delusional JF fans in the chat.

[@JW0143]

You obviously didn't visit actual sites like Steelers Depot if you think fans thought Fields was the answer. Get off of KZbin and X and you might see some actual intelligent fan interaction. Until then have fun trolling other teams pages ya lame

[@JW0143]

@@threezysworld8089 Then he edited the comment so not to look dumb like he is? LMAO