Steelers leaders praise Russell Wilson amid criticisms, predictions

Rumors about Russell Wilson allegedly losing Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos teammates hovered over the quarterback's status across the past several NFL seasons. 

Less than a full week after Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin officially named Wilson his starter over Justin Fields, the Steelers selected the 35-year-old as a team captain. 

"He's a strong leader, and he brings veteran experience," safety and fellow team captain Miles Killebrew said about Wilson on Monday, as shared by Brooke Pryor of ESPN. "He's been doing it at a high level for a long time and I think with that experience [he] kind of calms nerves, and he can lead guys through various situations because he's seen it. He's seen a lot, so just a calming presence, I would say."

Wilson signed a team-friendly contract to join the Steelers in March and reportedly impressed teammates with his work ethic through the preseason. While a calf injury Wilson suffered in July somewhat opened the door for Fields to win the starting job, it's widely believed Tomlin always had Wilson penciled in as Pittsburgh's QB1 for at least the regular-season opener at the Atlanta Falcons. 

"On the offense side of the ball, there's a lot of leadership that was needed," defensive tackle and Steelers captain Cameron Heyward said about Wilson. "And I think he's ready for that. We'll see how he does, and if he has questions, ask me, [star pass-rusher T.J. Watt], Miles."

Heyward repeatedly made it known throughout the offseason that he was confident Wilson could reclaim his best form after two down seasons with Denver. Others throughout the NFL don't share that kind of optimism. 

Rival teams reportedly think Wilson "is too far past his prime to be a difference-maker for an offense that has finished in the bottom 10 in total yards in five consecutive seasons." NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated mentioned on Monday that some individuals within the Steelers "pushed" for Fields to start right away. 

Heyward hopes Wilson's résumé that includes a Super Bowl championship will help him silence critics beginning this weekend. 

"Just the experience alone, he's reached heights that me and T.J. haven't even [reached], so I think from that standpoint, he's got what we're going for," Heyward added. "And hopefully he adds to the group and makes sure that we can all get there with that."

As of Tuesday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had the Steelers at +185 betting odds to make the playoffs. Such forecasts indicate experts believe Pittsburgh could have a losing record when its Week 9 bye arrives in early November. 

If such a scenario plays out, Tomlin could use the break to get Fields ready to start the Week 10 game at the Washington Commanders on Nov. 10.