If there was ever a side of the ball the Pittsburgh Steelers were criticized for Friday night, it was the offense. Quarterback Will Howard tossed two interceptions and the unit couldn’t get points on the board. One player who drew specific criticism was wide receiver Roman Wilson. Wilson was the target on both interceptions and initially appeared to drift in his routes. Rather than running flatter routes, he seemed to drift upfield, potentially contributing to both turnovers. While the interceptions were not primarily his fault, his route execution might have played a factor. Overall, the offense struggled to execute.
Despite the criticism surrounding Wilson, Steelers offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio didn’t sound overly concerned.
Angelichio spoke to the media and said Wilson continues to improve. The Steelers have tested him both in the slot and as a boundary receiver, moving him around the offense. Angelichio believes Wilson’s versatility gives the team another way to dictate how it wants to play.
“[Roman Wilson’s] continuing to grow and get better … He’s been inside, he’s been in the slot, he’s been outside, he’s been moving around, and that’s where we want to continue to push with all our receivers. So, it allows us to play the game on our terms.” Angelichio said.
Angelichio’s confidence in Wilson says a lot
Angelichio choosing not to pile onto the criticism of Wilson after Friday’s performance says plenty about where the young receiver stands within the Steelers’ offense. Wilson remains a raw route runner and has plenty to clean up with his execution, but the coaching staff clearly sees enough potential to keep expanding his role.
Rather than limiting Wilson to one spot, the Steelers are moving him around and asking him to develop as both a slot and outside receiver. That type of usage suggests Angelichio believes Wilson can become a meaningful piece of the offense.
Steelers need Wilson to deliver on the field to meet their potential
Now, Wilson needs to turn that trust into production when the regular season arrives. He has developed a new chemistry with Aaron Rodgers that hasn’t been on display during the preseason because Rodgers hasn’t played in these games.
That connection could become important for the Steelers. If Wilson can take another step as a route runner and consistently execute when his opportunities come, he could emerge as a significant contributor. The Steelers are giving him opportunities to prove he belongs in a bigger role. Now, Wilson has to make the most of them.
