Russell Wilson wasted no time making his mark on the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ record books. In a standout performance during the Steelers’ 37-15 victory over the New York Jets, Wilson set a franchise record for the most passing yards by a quarterback in their Steelers debut. Wilson’s performance, which included 264 yards and two touchdowns, broke the long-standing record of 249 yards previously held by Earl Morrall, set back in 1957. This impressive feat not only secured the win but also solidified Wilson’s place in Steelers history from the outset.
On Sunday night, Wilson completed 16 of 29 passes, demonstrating both his experience and ability to handle pressure in key moments. Despite a rocky start, where he struggled to find rhythm in the first half, Wilson rebounded to lead the Steelers’ offense to a dominant second-half performance. After falling behind 15-6, Pittsburgh responded with 31 unanswered points, a surge in which Wilson played a pivotal role. He connected on two touchdown passes, one to George Pickens and another to Van Jefferson, while also scoring on a 1-yard quarterback sneak. This comeback not only showcased Wilson’s resilience but also highlighted his leadership on the field.
Wilson’s Record-Setting Debut for the Steelers
There was a certain irony to Wilson breaking Morrall’s record in a game against the Jets. Morrall, who held the previous Steelers debut passing record, was famously part of the Colts’ team that suffered a shocking defeat to the Jets in Super Bowl III, one of the greatest upsets in NFL history. While Morrall eventually redeemed himself later in his career, Wilson was determined to ensure that his game against the Jets ended with a much different result. And it did.
Wilson’s ability to rally the offense was on full display when he launched a beautiful 44-yard pass to Pickens, setting up the Steelers’ second touchdown of the game. This key play seemed to ignite the Steelers’ offense, shifting the momentum entirely in Pittsburgh’s favor. From that point on, Wilson and the offense clicked into high gear, with precise throws and strong offensive execution. Wilson also showed his trademark accuracy with a pinpoint pass to tight end Pat Freiermuth, which helped set up the Steelers’ go-ahead score.
A Balanced Team Effort Secures the Win
Complementing Wilson’s efforts was a Pittsburgh defense that stepped up at crucial moments. The defense intercepted Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers twice, and the special teams unit made its mark by recording yet another blocked kick—its ninth since 2022, the most in the NFL during that time. The Steelers’ balanced offensive attack also featured a strong ground game, led by Najee Harris, who rushed for over 100 yards for the second consecutive game. The offensive line gave Wilson ample protection, allowing him the time to make decisive plays.
After the game, Wilson reflected on the team’s performance with a sense of both satisfaction and determination. “We’re capable of a lot, together,” he said in a postgame interview. “We left a lot on the table. There’s a lot more to go get. We know that, and we believe that. We’re just going to keep getting better.”
Wilson’s record-setting debut for the Steelers was not only a personal achievement but also a promising glimpse of what’s to come for Pittsburgh as they continue their 2026 season campaign.
