The Steelers take one step in the playoffs with a 27-14 win over the Browns. It was a light work for Pittsburgh. But post-game, HC Mike Tomlin warned off his seasoned veteran Russell Wilson against one play. Remember that run out of the huddle under center? Yup, that.

“We don’t want to make a living out of that,” Tomlin said. But let’s be real—who wouldn’t love to see Russ do that more often? That throw against the Browns was vintage Wilson. On the run, quick release, threading it through traffic like a needle in a haystack. Chef’s kiss, right?

Tomlin wasn’t just hyping his QB for the show. “He’s a sharp guy, we trust his decision-making,” he said. And Wilson proved that trust was well-placed. He’s not the spry scrambler from his Seattle days, but the man still knows when to use his legs. Six rushes for 17 yards doesn’t scream highlight reel, but context matters. Two were kneel downs, and three were clutch first-down conversions. Talk about efficiency.

The Browns didn’t see it coming, either. They prepped for Justin Fields in those situations, but instead, it was Wilson keeping the chains moving and the defense guessing. He even avoided the sack parade that haunted the Steelers the last time they faced Cleveland. Just one sack? That’s a win by itself.

Now, should the Steelers lean on Wilson’s legs weekly? Probably not. Tomlin is right—you don’t tempt fate too often with a 14th-year QB. But balancing Wilson’s savvy with Fields’ ready-to-go young energy? That’s a challenge worth figuring out. As long as it keeps delivering wins, no one’s complaining.

Russell Wilson’s back to vintage best for this Steelers charge!

Russell Wilson might not be running wild like his 2014 (ah! The 849 rushing yards season) self, but don’t sleep on the guy. Against the Browns, he showed flashes of vintage Russ, keeping plays alive with his legs and making magic happen when things looked bleak. Remember his escape acts in Seattle? That spin-and-sprint against the Cardinals in 2015? Or juking the Vikings’ defense to set up a playoff-winning drive? Those moments felt like distant memories—until this week.

Wilson’s sidearmed dime to Van Jefferson and that pinpoint dart to Freiermuth for a 20-yard touchdown? Those were throwback moments. Even with a banged-up receiver corps and a shaky offensive coordinator in Arthur Smith, Wilson turned nothing into something. The running backs and O-line deserve their props, but when push came to shove, it was Wilson who made the big plays.

He’s got enough juice in his arm to hit those tight windows and enough mobility to keep defenses honest. Add in a defense that forced two turnovers, and this team has the ingredients to do more than just make the playoffs.

The Steelers have been searching for the spark to end their playoff drought. And if this version of Wilson sticks around? He might just be the guy to crack the AFC code. Classic Russ isn’t all the way back, but he’s giving Steelers Nation a reason to believe.