Every sport has its fans, haters, and a weird mix of both. But when it comes to football—a sport where physicality is king—the spectrum of admiration and criticism can hit players harder than a linebacker on a blitz. Take Russell Wilson, for example. The guy’s career is like one of those NFL games that goes into overtime: thrilling at times. But exhausting to watch. I mean, we are talking 13 seasons of just back-and-forth. And only Russ knows how much more his body has to give.

Meanwhile, leading the charge on Wilson’s critics? Mark Schlereth, the former NFL lineman who’s made it his personal mission to keep the anti-Wilson bandwagon rolling.

Schlereth didn’t hold back when he recently said, “Even when I’m wrong, I’m right… he still sucks.” Ouch. Sure, he’s half-joking, but there’s no mistaking his stance: Wilson’s recent performances have done little to prove his critics wrong. And if you’re wondering what’s fueling Schlereth’s “victory lap” against Wilson, it’s the Steelers QB’s rollercoaster stats this season.

The Tale of Two Halves

Wilson started his Steelers tenure hot, throwing for 1,784 yards, 12 touchdowns, and only three interceptions in his first seven games. Pittsburgh went 6-1 during that stretch, and suddenly, Wilson’s redemption arc seemed real. Oh, and we were all riding with it as well. But, as Schlereth might say, “not so fast.”

In his last four starts, Wilson has thrown just four touchdowns and two picks, with a meager 698 passing yards. Oh, and fourteen sacks fell upon him during the Steelers’ four-game skid. Some of those sacks? Absolutely on him, holding onto the ball like it’s a winning lottery ticket. Schlereth, ever the straight-shooter, sums it up: “Russ has not been as good… He’s regressed back to what I thought he was before.”

For a veteran QB, questionable decision-making and pocket presence aren’t great looks—especially when your team’s playoff hopes are dangling by a thread.

The Schlereth vs. Wilson Saga

This isn’t the first time Schlereth has taken aim at Wilson. Before the season even started, he boldly declared on his Stinkin’ Truth podcast, “We’re watching a future Hall of Famer play his way out of the Hall of Fame.” Well, the name of his podcast sums up his takes… If you find it stinky, then that’s the truth bomb for you. Or at least, there’s no way of getting back at Schlereth here.

But you know what? He even suggested the Steelers should’ve rolled with Justin Fields over Wilson, leaving no doubt about where his loyalty lies. And honestly, can you blame him? Schlereth’s Denver roots run deep, and seeing Wilson struggle post-Broncos only fuels his take. Adding to the drama, there’s the Sean Payton saga. Well, well, well, that says enough…

That’s basically it on the Mark and Russ front. But now, we have to wonder: Can Wilson rewrite his legacy? Here’s the thing about Russ: his career isn’t over yet. But his margin for error is razor-thin, especially when the team wants to get on a crazy postseason run.

At 36, he’s no spring chicken, and expecting him to dominate as he did in Seattle feels as unrealistic as hoping for a Hail Mary every drive. But we saw the glimpses of what he can cook… Moonballs? Check. Pin-point passes on demand? Check. The only thing he needs to muster is the consistency factor… And maybe, just maybe, a weapon who’s not prone to getting sucked into an off-the-field drama quite often.

George Pickens must sort his act for the sake of Russell Wilson

Here we go, folks—playoff season is knocking, and the Steelers are prepping for a high-stakes clash against the Ravens. It’s make-or-break time for Russell Wilson. A stellar performance could silence the critics (yes, even Mark Schlereth) and keep Wilson in Pittsburgh’s plans. But if he stumbles? It might be the final curtain call for his starting days in the NFL. And let’s be real—Wilson can’t carry this team alone. He needs his squad to step up, especially his go-to guy, George Pickens.

Now, Wilson’s no stranger to the power of a dynamic wideout. Well, he’s even gone on record hyping Pickens: “I believe in George. He’s been a star for us all season. He’s going to be a difference-maker, obviously, for us in the playoffs.” Love the optimism, Russ, and we get it. But Pickens needs to leave the drama off the field and focus on doing what he does best: catching footballs.

So, what’s up with Pickens? He skipped locker room interviews last week and postgame media duties before that. Sure, no one loves press day, but the NFL’s rules are clear: players have to make themselves available to the media during practice weeks and after games. Avoiding the press might seem like a minor hiccup. But ask Marshawn Lynch how that worked out.

Remember his iconic “I’m just here so I won’t get fined” line? Yeah, that one came with a hefty price tag—$1.2 million in fines for ducking reporters. Pickens, take notes. Being a no-show for the media might feel like A MOVE. But the league’s rulebook will sack you harder than T.J. Watt on a mission.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin isn’t exactly known for letting antics slide. He’s already called Pickens out, making it clear that the nonsense stops now. “He [Pickens] needs to grow up,” Tomlin said… And honestly, that statement couldn’t be more true. This team is barely holding it together after a four-game skid, and they can’t afford distractions heading into a playoff game against a Ravens team that’s been on fire.

Pickens has shown flashes of brilliance—59 receptions, 900 yards, and three touchdowns this season. But consistency isn’t his strong suit. A hamstring injury in week 13 slowed him down, but even after returning, he’s looked shaky. Missed opportunities, dropped passes, and miscommunication with Wilson have all added to the team’s struggles.

But he needs to understand Russ needs him… The Steelers do. I mean, what other choice do they have? Let’s face it, Pickens is the X-factor here. When he’s in the mood, the O clicks. When he’s off? Well, you’ve seen the result—163 total yards against the Eagles without him in the lineup. Ouch. If Pickens can’t bring his A-game against Baltimore, the Steelers’ hopes for a ‘postseason run’  are toast.

Sam Monson from The 33rd Team summed it up perfectly on the Check the Mic podcast: “It’s [Russell] Wilson and George Pickens combined. That connection needs to fire. Otherwise, I think the Steelers have basically no chance.”

Time to Step Up or Step Out! The ball’s in Pickens’ court. But at the same time, he holds Russ’ ‘goodwill’ too. And trust that Russell Wilson will not like him toying with that just for the sake of it.