Russell Wilson is not one to shy away from owning up. The veteran quarterback stepped up, owning his mistakes after a tough loss to the Baltimore Ravens. While rallying his team with a heartfelt message about resilience and accountability.
“I put that game on me,” Wilson admitted after the 34-17 defeat. “I don’t think there’s enough time to really sulk, worry, or fear. I think the best thing that we can do is come back to work and be ready to go.” His words came after two costly turnovers. Which includes a brutal fumble inside the five-yard line that shifted the game’s momentum.
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Russell Wilson speaks to the media. pic.twitter.com/ORkeT0o247
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 22, 2024
Wilson’s leadership shone through, despite the glaring errors. “I’m not going to fear going for it,” he said about his aggressive approach. Yet, the turnovers fueled criticism, with fans pleading for him to slide instead of risking big hits.
Social media lit up with reactions. “Russ, no. You’ve got to slide, man,” one fan tweeted after Wilson took a massive hit, coughing up the ball. Wilson, however, focused on the positives, praising his teammates for their effort and urging them to stay grounded. The loss, though, stung more than usual.
It ended Pittsburgh’s chances of clinching the AFC North title outright. Wilson’s message, though, aimed to galvanize the Steelers ahead of a critical matchup against Kansas City. But Wilson’s post-game presser wasn’t just about taking blame; it was a masterclass in leadership. “The best thing that we have is high-character guys that love the work, that love the process,” he emphasized, reflecting his faith in the team’s resilience.
Wilson’s resolve to improve resonated, but it’s clear the Steelers face an uphill battle. The team must rally quickly to avoid slipping further in a tight playoff race.
Costly Turnovers and the Steelers’ Missed Opportunities
Wilson’s aggressive play style backfired against Baltimore. His refusal to slide during a key drive turned a potential touchdown into a devastating turnover. Critics, however, weren’t so forgiving.
The fumble and interception cost Pittsburgh dearly, with Baltimore turning those mistakes into 14 points. “There were some balls on the ground that we didn’t get,” head coach Mike Tomlin admitted post-game. “Then obviously we turned the ball over going in. It took seven points off the board and they had a pick-6. The rest is history, as they say.”
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The Ravens capitalized, driving 96 yards to take a 14-7 lead. Later, Marlon Humphrey’s pick-six sealed Pittsburgh’s fate as it pushed the game out of reach. “We didn’t control the run game… When you don’t, you’ve got to do some splash plays or win the turnover battle in a significant way, and we didn’t do that either,” Tomlin lamented. On the other hand, Wilson acknowledged his errors but remained optimistic.
“We can still win the North. There’s still lots of opportunity,” he noted, pointing to opportunities ahead. His focus on eliminating the “game-altering” mistakes signaled a determined push to bounce back. “I know what I can do better,” he said, doubling down on his commitment to lead the team forward.
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His comments struck a chord in the locker room. Pittsburgh’s playoff hopes now hinge on eliminating mistakes and maximizing opportunities. Russell Wilson’s leadership will be crucial in righting the ship as the Steelers prepare for Kansas City.
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