Former Wisconsin quarterback throws for over 400 yards in narrow divisional win

Former Wisconsin quarterback throws for over 400 yards in narrow divisional win

Former Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson threw for over 400 yards in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 44-38 win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.

Wilson looked as dynamic as ever in the Steelers’ ninth win of the 2024 season. On the day, the UW alumnus completed 29 of 38 pass attempts for 414 passing yards and three touchdowns for a 126.4 quarterback rating.

The Seahawks legend recorded 257 of those passing yards before halftime, the most of any first half of his storied 13-year career.

Wilson made virtually every type of throw throughout the afternoon. He found ten different Steelers receivers and captained the team to seven scoring drives.

Arguably his most impressive throw came with under 30 seconds remaining in the third quarter. Up 27-24 at the Bengals’ 25-yard line, Wilson evaded pressure and launched a sidearm bullet to tight end Pat Freiermuth for a 25-yard touchdown. That extended the team’s lead to 10 entering the fourth quarter.

Wilson also found wide receiver Van Jefferson for a 43-yard gain late in the fourth frame to essentially ice the contest.

The former Badger great reminded fans of what he’s capable of. After enduring over two years of criticism for his performance as a Denver Bronco, Wilson looks like he could provide stability to a franchise in desperate need of a quarterback since the departure of future Hall of Fame QB Ben Roethlisberger.

Wilson is now 5-1 as the Steelers’ starting quarterback in 2024. His sole loss came a week ago during the Thursday night snowstorm against Cleveland Browns, a game in which he completed a whopping 12 of 13 pass attempts for 203 passing yards and one touchdown on third and fourth down scenarios.

Wilson’s 9-3 Steelers will be back in action against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, Dec. 8.