Quarterback Russell Wilson was named the FedEx Air & Ground Player of the Week for his performance against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 13. This is the eighth time Wilson has won the award in his career, and he is the first Steelers quarterback to win it since Ben Roethlisberger did so in Week 10 of the 2020 season. Wilson also became the oldest player at any position to win the award.
Wilson completed 29 of 38 pass attempts (76.3 percent) for 414 yards and three touchdowns, with a passer rating of 126.4, for his best day in black and gold.
After getting off to a rough start when he threw a pick-six to Cam Britt-Taylor for the Bengals first score, Wilson took control and led the offense to a 44-38 victory.
The key was, the Steelers responded to the adversity.
"They did a good job of making that play," said Wilson of the interception. "More than anything else, I just think our response was great. I thought that we did a really good job of staying confident and not letting one play faze us.
"I thought the best thing we did today was respond in the midst of adversity. I thought that we did a great job of scoring touchdowns, making plays, and we felt like there were more plays out there that we could have had.
"That is a testament to our coaching staff, it's a testament to our players, our work ethic and the discipline that we put into the week. We knew that this was going to be a heavyweight fight, and we had to respond and keep swinging."
Wilson responded by connected with 10 different receivers, with Najee Harris pulling in six receptions for 54 yards and 16 carries for 75 yards and a touchdown. Tight end Pat Freiermuth also had six receptions for 68 yards and a touchdown, while George Pickens had three receptions for 74 yards and a touchdown.
"I thought we had a great day," said Wilson. "It all starts off with the line. I thought they did a tremendous job. Multiple looks up front and all the things they do, and the multiplicity of their defense. The O-line handled it in a great way.
"I just think guys did a great job making plays. I thought George made a great catch on the sideline. I thought Pat's plays on his scrambles, and also how he was painting clear pictures. I always say the best receivers are always painting a clear picture. Those guys were painting great pictures today.
"I thought the guys made a lot of plays. I thought Najee ran the ball extremely well. That was huge for us and our run game. He just had a great day.
"It's a great team effort. And then we see the defense just respond, make plays for us. After we had some great responses, they made a huge play. (Nick) Herbig had a great game rushing off the edge. T.J. (Watt) obviously is the best in the world. Cam Heyward, our leaders really stepped up in a huge way today. I think that was really critical.
"So, it was just fun. We just had a great time. We knew it was going to be a heavyweight fight. I told the guys it's going to be a heavyweight fight, and we've got to win it."
For winning the FedEx Air & Ground NFL Player of the Week Award, FedEx will make a $2,000 donation in Wilson's name through the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) to a Historically Black College or University of his choice, which will be applied towards needs-based scholarships to deserving HBCU students.
