Stephen A. Smith Unleashes Scathing Criticism on Russell Wilson Amid Dismal Preseason Performance
Russell Wilson, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ new quarterback, has faced intense scrutiny from ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith after a lackluster preseason performance. Smith did not mince words, telling Wilson, “You’re beginning to annoy me.”
Wilson, who signed a one-year, $1.2 million contract with the Steelers in March, has struggled to find his footing in Pittsburgh. In Saturday’s 9-3 loss to the Buffalo Bills, he completed just eight of 10 passes for 47 yards and took three sacks during five scoreless series.
Despite his struggles, Wilson downplayed concerns over the Steelers’ offense, urging fans not to panic in a press conference on Wednesday. However, his comments did not sit well with Smith, who launched a blistering attack on the veteran quarterback.
Stephen A. Smith (left) has ripped into Russell Wilson (right) amid his dismal preseason with the Pittsburgh Steelers
Smith’s rant on First Take was nothing short of scathing, as he told Wilson, “You stunk last year, you were paid $37.8 million to go away. The Denver Broncos were willing to eat nearly $38 million dollars to get rid of you, and you’re sitting there fighting for a starting job with Justin Fields.”
Smith also took aim at Wilson’s personal life, suggesting that his only success in recent years has been having his fiancée, Ciara, by his side.
Wilson endured a miserable outing at quarterback against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday night
Smith went on to tell the veteran quarterback that his only success in recent years has been having fiancee Ciara (right) by his side
Not everyone agrees with Smith’s assessment, however. Legendary former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick believes that the Steelers’ offensive struggles lie elsewhere, citing issues with the offensive line and running game.
Belichick told The Pat McAfee Show, “I think they have bigger problems than at the quarterback position. The offensive line had a hard time being consistent there… They need to get the running game going, they have good backs, they need to get those backs started.”
Despite the criticism, Wilson remains confident in his abilities, and only time will tell if he can turn things around and lead the Steelers to success in the upcoming NFL season.
