Category: Payton Wilson

Steelers defender was second best LB over past two weeks, per PFF

Payton Wilson has emerged as a standout in the Steelers’ linebacker room, offering hope for the future of the team’s strong defense.

In a stacked Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker room that features the impressive run-thumping talents of Elandon Roberts and the do-it-all, well-rounded Patrick Queen, rookie Payton Wilson has shined the brightest over the past two weeks.

On 21 defensive snaps in Week 11 against the Baltimore Ravens and 32 snaps in Week 12 against the Cleveland Browns, Wilson has performed as the second-best linebacker in the entire NFL, according to PFF.

Wilson’s speed, agility, and play recognition make him an imposing force in run defense, but his true talents appear to lie in pass defense. Over the past two weeks, he allowed just three receptions for seven yards, and NFL QBs had a dismal average passer rating of 36.5 when targeting him.

The linebacker position has been an area of concern for the Pittsburgh Steelers ever since LB Ryan Shazier suffered h is career-ending spinal cord injury in 2017, and it is exciting to know the future of this strong Steelers defense can rely on the impressive LB room led by Roberts, Queen, and the emerging Wilson.

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Steelers’ DC isn’t keen on treating LB Payton Wilson like a rookie

Steelers’ defensive coordinator Teryl Austin spoke highly of Payton Wilson’s maturity and what it means for the team.

It is clear that not every rookie needs time to adjust to the NFL level of speed.  Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Payton Wilson has been turning heads through seven weeks of the 2024 season with his elite play in both the pass and run defense.  His instincts have further supported the argument that Wilson deserves more play time on defense, as he has been used sparingly thus far.

Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin seems to agree that the rookie linebacker shouldn’t be restrained in any capacity, as his maturity allows for the team to place more trust in his play.

The team would be wise to continue to treat him as a more established player in the league, even though he might have far less experience than other linebackers on the roster.  The admiration that Wilson’s teammates and coaches have for him is backed up by his competitive spirit on and off the field.

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Is Mike Tomlin making another Wilson-sized mistake?

Although rookie Payton Wilson continues wreck offenses on Sundays, he is still being used sparingly. Could this be a mistake by Tomlin?

It appears to be a Wilson-eat-Wilson world for the Pittsburgh Steelers. While QB Russell Wilson has finally been given the opportunity to succeed, it seems HC Mike Tomlin has ‘moved on’ from rookie WR Roman Wilson. Now, LB Payton Wilson could be the next ‘Wilson-sized’ mistake by the Steelers’ head coach. 

The young linebacker has not only excelled through seven weeks of football, but Wilson is also playing like one of the best rookies in the league. Meanwhile, LB Patrick Queen, one of the biggest signings from the Steelers’ 2024 free agency class, hasn’t quite lived up to expectations. While Queen’s play has struggled to say the least in 2024, he continues to get almost double the playing time of his rookie teammate.

Should Wilson be considered for more snaps? And if so, could the Steelers implement a three-linebacker rotation between Queen, Wilson, and the elite Elandon Roberts? Similar to the Week 8 quarterback decision, only one man can get the rookie onto the field more often, and Tomlin may once again be choosing loyalty to a subpar player over another Wilson. 

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Steelers must protect Payton Wilson at all costs

Hurry! Hide Payton Wilson.

Hurry! Hide Payton Wilson.

The Pittsburgh Steelers acquired three Wilsons this offseason and two, Russell Wilson (calf) and Roman Wilson (ankle), have been dealing with injury.

The eldest Wilson returned to practice on Tuesday with Justin Fields still taking the majority of first-team reps. The rookie wide receiver is expected to be sidelined for the remainder of training camp after an impressive start to his first practices as a pro.

However, Payton Wilson has also been turning heads and earning praise from his teammates, including fellow inside linebacker Patrick Queen.

“Payton’s a great guy, great teammate,” Queen said of Wilson earlier this week. “Edgy guy, very cool, calm demeanor guy… but on the football field, he just turns into a whole ‘nother animal.”

Sound like another Steeler we all know and love? Ahem, T.J. Watt.

In addition to the guardian cap, the Steelers need to put Payton Wilson in bubble wrap.

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