As the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare for the upcoming NFL season, a new era dawns with Russell Wilson at the helm as the starting quarterback. Now entering his 13th NFL season, Wilson brings a wealth of experience to a team known for its storied tradition and passionate fanbase. Yet, the move also injects a sense of urgency and a new set of expectations for both the player and the franchise.
Wilson's Staggering Sack Numbers
Wilson's career has been characterized by his remarkable ability to perform under pressure. However, that resilience has come with a steep price—an average of 43.9 sacks per year, amounting to a staggering total of 527 sacks over his career. Only Tom Brady, with an official record of 565 sacks, has been taken down more frequently. It's projected that Wilson will surpass this record by the end of the 2024 season, reaching approximately 570.9 sacks. This would make Wilson the most sacked quarterback in NFL history, even eclipsing Fran Tarkenton's unofficial record of 570 sacks.
Other quarterbacks who have endured similarly high sack numbers include Ben Roethlisberger (554) and Aaron Rodgers (531), positioning Wilson among some of the game's most resilient play-callers.
Career Defeats and Upcoming Challenges
Over the years, Wilson has faced defeat at the hands of 29 different NFL teams. If the Steelers falter against both the Cleveland Browns and the Philadelphia Eagles this season, that number could rise to 31 different teams. Pittsburgh's schedule will see them clash with the Browns in Week 12 and Week 14, and the Eagles in Week 15, thereby setting the stage for a potential expansion of Wilson's list of nemeses.
This statistic isn’t unique to Wilson. Ten quarterbacks have lost to 30 different teams, including active players like Derek Carr. Notably, Carr has never lost to his former team, the Raiders, or the Panthers. The New Orleans Saints, now led by Carr, are slated to face the Raiders in Week 1 and the Panthers in Week 9. Joe Flacco, another notable name, has similarly lost to 30 different teams but has managed to elude a defeat against the Lions. The Colts, where Flacco currently serves as a backup, have a December showdown with the Lions in Week 12.
New Beginnings in Pittsburgh
Wilson's debut with the Steelers is set for Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons. The anticipation surrounding his performance is palpable. Should Wilson falter, Justin Fields looms as a potential contender for the starting quarterback role. The infusion of competition may serve as a catalyst for Wilson to prove his mettle once again.
In reflecting on his career and the pressure that accompanies it, Wilson remains unfazed by external opinions. "I never had it to keep me going," he states, addressing whether doubt drives him. "I've never been -- I don't know why -- I've just never been worried about what other people think."
For Wilson, the focus remains on his faith and the sense of purpose that stems from it. "I think ultimately I focus on, as I mentioned to you guys -- obviously my faith means everything to me. God chose me for this, and He chose me to play this game," he explains. "I'm one of 32 men in the world that get to do what I do, get to play this game every day."
As the upcoming season approaches, the Steelers and their fans will watch closely to see how this new chapter unfolds. Whether Wilson can navigate the pressures and expectations that come with leading a storied franchise like the Steelers will be one of the season’s most compelling narratives.