One of many largest the reason why Mike Tomlin seemingly determined to begin QB Russell Wilson over Justin Fields is his arm expertise, and particularly Wilson’s deep ball. Tight finish Pat Freiermuth was the beneficiary of a well-thrown, downfield shot from Wilson, as he made a formidable seize on a throw from Wilson to assist arrange a area purpose drive to present the Steelers the lead in opposition to the New York Jets.
Freiermuth mentioned that Wilson informed him on the sideline he noticed Jets S Jalen Mills seize his arm on his route, which alerted Wilson that he needed to put a bit of extra air on the ball to present Freiermuth an opportunity at it.
“He even informed me on the sideline, he noticed 35 seize my arm, so he knew to place a bit of extra, and that little stuff, it’s loopy. It’s a complete completely different factor,” Freiermuth mentioned on the NBC postgame present after Pittsburgh’s 37-15 win over the Jets.
Watching the play, you’ll be able to see Mills seize Freiermuth’s arm when he goes proper to try to get round him. Wilson acknowledged that and knew he’d need to put a bit of extra air underneath the ball to present Freiermuth time to regulate.
A veteran like Wilson simply understands the sport and might see issues higher than numerous quarterbacks within the league, and his consideration to element and expertise got here into play on this scenario. Freiermuth deserves credit score for making a heck of a catch, however Wilson had the correct amount of contact on the ball. That allowed Freiermuth the possibility to run underneath it a bit of bit after Mills grabbed him towards the beginning of his route. If Wilson had thrown the ball sooner or with out as a lot contact, it may’ve been contested and Freiermuth might not have been in a position to haul it in.
Whereas Wilson and Freiermuth solely related twice, each receptions have been explosive performs, as Freiermuth had a 30-yard catch and a 21-yard catch. It was good to see him become involved within the offense and make some performs downfield, and with Wilson underneath heart, it appears as if Pittsburgh’s passing assault can be opened up a bit of bit. Freiermuth is actually the crew’s No. 2 receiver proper now, behind George Pickens, and persevering with to permit him to make performs downfield will open issues up for the remainder of the offense, too.
Freiermuth’s function ought to increase with Wilson and his arm expertise, and that ought to imply good issues for Pittsburgh’s offense. Wilson’s arm expertise was on show Sunday night time after a shaky begin to the sport as he knocked some rust off. If he can play the way in which he did in opposition to the Jets over the following few weeks, the Steelers’ offense can be in good palms.
