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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Larry Brown Jr.

Russell Wilson wasn’t washed but Jets’ Nathaniel Hackett did ‘hack’ his career

Nathaniel Hackett Russell Wilson Jets Pittsburgh Steelers Aaron Rodgers NFL Steelers

After two seasons in Denver, many wondered if Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson still had the prowess needed to compete as a starter in the NFL.

Well, after shredding the New York Jets pass defense for 264 pass yards and three total touchdowns on Sunday in a 37-15 Steelers win, its time to recant. 

Sometimes, a change in coaching can have a ginormous impact on the performance of NFL players. Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett was in charge of designing plays for Wilson in 2022 but his pass heavy play scheme didn’t really match Wilson’s play style.

Obviously, Hackett’s scheme didn’t work for Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers this season either, so maybe Hackett is the issue. Furthermore, maybe Hackett is often over credited for the superhuman talent and accuracy Rodgers possessed in his prime. 

Hackett wasn’t around for Rodgers’ Super Bowl XLV victory with the Green Bay Packers either so maybe Hackett’s acclaim is disproportionate as well. 

Nevertheless, Wilson. who attempted just 29 pass attempts in Week 7 against New York, was heavily supported by the power running of Najee Harris and secondary back Jaylen Warren. Similarly to Wilson’s time with the Seattle Seahawks, he won’t be asked to be Tom Brady by head coach Mike Tomlin. He will be summoned to strive in the vertical passing game and sustain drives as a complement to the Steelers defense.

Next time, before analysts go around scorning players with extreme merit, they might consider the circumstantial barriers that could be inhibiting them from success. Luckily for Wilson, he is now part of a franchise that plans on optimizing his skill set and not forcing him into play style that does not fit him.

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