Statements
The arrival of Russell Wilson as the new quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers has generated substantial buzz, as he stands on the cusp of surpassing an undesirable milestone held by former longtime great Ben Roethlisberger.
In the 2024 season, Wilson is poised to overtake Roethlisberger in one particular career statistic – the number of times sacked.
This is an accolade Wilson would likely prefer to avoid, despite its inevitability.
Approaching Unwanted Record
Wilson is set to enter the 2024 season as the fifth-most sacked quarterback in NFL history. Currently, he is 27 sacks away from tying Roethlisberger, whose 554 career sacks place him third in the annals of league history. Only Hall of Famer Fran Tarkenton and the legendary Tom Brady have been sacked more frequently than Roethlisberger.
The steely quarterback from Pittsburgh had a storied 18-year career, capturing two Super Bowl titles, making three Super Bowl appearances, earning six Pro Bowl selections, and setting numerous individual records.
At 35 years old, Wilson has already been sacked 527 times in his first 11 seasons. Averaging nearly 48 sacks per season, it is feasible that Wilson will surpass Roethlisberger's unfortunate record this season.
A Revamped Protection Unit
However, the Steelers organization is optimistic about their revamped offensive line, which aims to provide better protection for their seasoned quarterback. The Steelers expect to field a significantly improved offensive line compared to recent seasons.
The starting lineup is set to include rookies Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier, along with 2023 first-round pick Broderick Jones. This infusion of young talent and athleticism is expected to bolster the protection for Wilson, who has expressed excitement and optimism about his new team.
Wilson has been vocal about his renewed vigor as he prepares for his inaugural season in Pittsburgh. "I feel the fountain of youth, man," Wilson said. "I just feel revived in every way -- mentally, emotionally, spiritually. I feel confident."
Perspective Among Peers
Despite his proximity to an unenviable record, Wilson is not the most sacked quarterback still active in the NFL. That distinction belongs to Aaron Rodgers of the New York Jets, who enters the 2024 season fourth on the all-time list with 531 sacks. This adds a layer of perspective to Wilson's predicament as he navigates his career with the Steelers, striving to find balance and success without further adding to his sack tally.
As the 2024 season approaches, much attention will be on the performance and health of Wilson, as well as the effectiveness of the Steelers' offensive line.
A Team and Quarterback in Sync
With ambitious rookie linemen and a strategic focus on protection, the team is hopeful they can minimize the number of sacks Wilson endures and help him avoid surpassing Roethlisberger's record. Nevertheless, the milestone looms, creating an undercurrent of tension amidst the surge of optimism surrounding Wilson’s tenure in Pittsburgh.
Russell Wilson's journey offers fascinating storylines: a seasoned quarterback yearning for a fresh start, a team eager to protect its valuable asset, and the challenge of overcoming historical statistics. With a rejuvenated spirit and a reinforced offensive line, the Steelers and their fans can anticipate an exciting season, watching closely as Wilson strives to lead the team while steering clear of an unfortunate NFL record.
Wilson's confidence can be felt as he states, "I think at some point you got to know who you are -- as a player, as a man, as a competitor." His self-assuredness is evident as he reflects on his current mindset, "I felt really good last year playing. I felt really confident, in the midst of everything. I think right now, I have all that confidence, times 10."
The Steelers will undoubtedly be relying on that confidence, both in Wilson's leadership and their enhanced offensive line, to help them navigate the challenges of the upcoming season. As Pittsburgh prepares for their campaign, the alignment of veteran experience and rookie potential form a promising tapestry that could spell success, or at the very least, a reduction in the dreaded sack statistic that looms over Wilson.
The 2024 NFL season promises to be a pivotal chapter in Russell Wilson's career and the storied legacy of the Pittsburgh Steelers. The narrative of a rejuvenated veteran quarterback fighting against an unenviable record, supported by a determined team, makes for compelling drama. Only time will tell if Wilson and the Steelers can stave off history and carve out a new path to success.