Recently, Mike Tomlin skillfully handled a seemingly harmless question about comparing rookie Jayden Daniels to superstar Lamar Jackson, who is in the running for his third NFL MVP award.

“Let’s not rush to compare anyone to Lamar Jackson,” remarked Tomlin after the Steelers’ comeback win against the Commanders. “That guy is a multi-time MVP. We’ll face Mr. Jackson soon.”

His words weren’t meant to slight Daniels but rather convey his deep respect for Jackson, especially with a matchup on the horizon.

This brings us to Tomlin’s quarterback situation with Russell Wilson.

Tomlin’s confidence in Wilson sharply contrasts with the treatment the veteran received from Sean Payton during his last season in Denver and is likely a crucial factor in the team’s current performance.

It’s about more than just deep throws.

Tomlin, who switched from Justin Fields to Wilson a few weeks ago, is well aware of the criticism he’s faced for this bold move, especially when the team started 4-2 with Fields. Many analysts and fans thought he was making a mistake.

However, Tomlin, who has enjoyed a winning record throughout his impressive tenure with the Steelers, likely viewed the decision as less risky than others believed, assuming Wilson was fit following a calf injury that had hindered him during training camp.

Now look at where the Steelers stand. Critics have fallen silent for the moment. With Wilson as quarterback, the Steelers have gone 3-0, and their offense is producing numbers and excitement not seen since Ben Roethlisberger’s time. While Fields brought a unique running element to the team, Wilson’s leadership has sparked a balanced offensive approach with explosive passing plays. The Steelers are averaging 30.3 points per game with Wilson at the helm (6 TDs, 1 INT).

There’s still a lot of football to be played, and Wilson, now 35, is about to experience one of the NFL’s fiercest rivalries when the Ravens come to town, with the top spot in the AFC North on the line.

What Wilson has brought to the Steelers (7-2) under Tomlin’s guidance illustrates the coach’s vision for using a seasoned player. Wilson’s ability to stretch the field with deep throws, combined with the team’s strong rushing attack and formidable defense, makes for a compelling recipe for success.

For instance, during the win against Washington, the Steelers had to overcome a 10-point deficit in the second half, a fourth-quarter fumble at the goal line, and an early dropped pass on a fake punt that led to a Commanders touchdown. Through it all, Wilson remained composed when it mattered most. In his three starts, he has notched a perfect passer rating of 158.3 in the fourth quarter, completing 78.6% of his passes, tossing three touchdown throws with no interceptions.

The game-winning touchdown pass against Washington was a stunning 32-yard throw to Mike Williams, who joined from the Jets just before the trade deadline. The victory was secured when Wilson cleverly drew a rookie defensive tackle offside, which negated a punt and kept the ball out of Washington’s hands for a potential game-winning drive.

That’s the hallmark of a star quarterback. Wilson’s knack for performing under pressure—having led 32 fourth-quarter comebacks since he arrived in the NFL in 2012—was likely a key reason Tomlin opted for him.

“I believe he’s still shaping that narrative,” Tomlin stated in his Tuesday press conference. “To be honest, there were many factors that played into my decision, including his background and experience. I thought he could add significant value to our team, which has proven true. His talent and readiness for crucial moments have been evident.”

“There are numerous factors, and I think they will continue to emerge as we face various challenges. I’m excited about confronting those together and seeing how he improves.”

Of course, with the Steelers not having won a playoff game since 2016, another reason for faith in Wilson might not manifest for some time. Tomlin respects Wilson’s track record, which includes two Super Bowl appearances with the Seahawks—one of which was a dominant victory, and the other concluded with a gut-wrenching loss marked by Wilson’s interception at the goal line.

Wilson’s ability to prove he can still be a championship-caliber quarterback is part of the equation as well. We’ll see how that develops.

He’s been effective with the football; the only turnover he has had was a long toss at Washington that acted more like a punt. Although his completion percentage (58.8%) is lower due to the deep shots, his red-zone efficiency at 50% (7 touchdowns in 14 opportunities) needs improvement—particularly with tough divisional games ahead against the Ravens, Bengals, and Browns, plus a Christmas matchup with the Chiefs and a tense game against the Eagles.

As Tomlin pointed out, “There’s an expectation to improve.”

In the meantime, it’s clear that the opinions of prominent analysts can shift rapidly as the season progresses.

Dan Orlovsky, Mark Schlereth, and a contrite Chris Long, among others, have softened their earlier criticism.

But what sparked such strong disdain for Wilson in the beginning?

Regardless, Wilson now finds himself in a favorable situation – at the right place, at the right time, with a supportive team – giving him the opportunity to validate Tomlin’s faith in him and gain significant respect by taking advantage of this moment.