The 6-2 Steelers will travel to Washington to face the 7-2 Commanders. So, you know what’s at stake—it’s bound to be a thriller. But here’s where things get interesting: the Steelers might have a game-changer in Russell Wilson. Or at least, that’s what the NFL legend thinks.

On ESPN’s NFL Live, Ryan Clark laid out what Pittsburgh should be looking to do against Washington’s defense, and it was a classic Clark take: “You Gotta Push It Good.” Yep, just like Salt-N-Pepa. Coming straight to the point: Clark wants the Steelers to push the pigskin downfield with Wilson and let his receivers—especially George Pickens—make plays.

Clark believes Wilson has the perfect opportunity to take deep shots, as Washington is likely to play man-to-man on the back end of their defense. And that’s exactly where Pickens thrives, calling him “probably the best 50-50 catcher in football.” So, instead of trying to be perfect, Wilson just needs to trust his receivers to win those one-on-one matchups. The result could be big plays down the field, opening things up for the running game, too. Why? That’s because Russ might just be back! “Some of these pigskins that Russell Wilson have thrown the last two weeks have really exemplified that,” Clark concluded his point.

And he might be onto something. See, we are not criticizing Justin Fields—he led Pitts to a 4-2 start in Wilson’s absence. But, you know, a veteran does what he knows best. Since his return (the last two games), the 35-year-old has shown a knack for delivering catchable deep throws, even if they’re not always perfectly placed. That’s been a key to Pittsburgh’s O finding its rhythm.

Remember how he started his first game back? Sure, the pass might have been underthrown, but it didn’t matter. Pickens was in single coverage, tracked the pigskin, and made an amazing play. That’s exactly what Clark was talking about. If Wilson continues to throw like he has been, Pickens will make his moves.

The cherry on top? Russ hasn’t just been about flashy stats, though. What his plays under center have done is that they have opened up the running game for Najee Harris, who’s been on fire lately. Harris is in the midst of a three-game streak of 100-yard rushing games, which is a career first for him. And the team’s overall rushing attack has been just as dominant, with over 149 rushing yards per game during that stretch. Wilson’s deep throws are creating a space for Harris to do his thing, and that’s been a huge part of Pittsburgh’s offensive success.

No wonder he’s got the opposition head coaches talking about him, too. That’s just the man’s aura.

Russell Wilson’s numbers (so far) speak for themselves

Russell Wilson’s deep throw magic, or his “moonball,” as they call it, has even caught the attention of Commanders’ head coach Dan Quinn. The 54-year-old dubbed it Wilson’s “superpower,” saying, “He’s a remarkable deep thrower… he’s got the ability to throw on the run, you know, 50, 60 yards down the field to a spot only his receiver can get to.” High praise, right? I mean, ahead of the clash. It could be mind games. But there was no lie.

Right now, Pittsburgh’s offense is running like a well-oiled machine, blending Wilson’s arm with Harris’ pounding ground game. If this continues, let’s just say the Commanders—and maybe a few more teams down the line—will have their hands full. With the Steelers sitting at 6-2 and leading the AFC North, this isn’t just luck; it’s a balanced attack that’s getting it done. Not one is pulling the weights alone. That’s a good sign.

Of course, Wilson wasn’t always the chosen starter. Justin Fields began the season under center. Sure, he wasn’t flashy, but he got the job done. Not just that, Fields even showed glimpses of what the future could be like (ah! that 312-yard game against the Colts). So, in truth, he just did not keep it warm for Russ. The 25-year-old QB kept Steel City in the hunt.

But when Wilson eventually got his shot in week 7, he ran with it—literally and figuratively. After a rocky start against the Jets, it did not take him much to steady and deliver the team’s best offensive showing this season, yet. 3 TDs and letting guys like Pickens finally unleash their full potential. Yeah, that’s why Mike Tomlin was all-in for Russ since day 1.

At the end of the day, it’s hard to find a reason to complain. And if you are from Pittsburgh, you’d want Mr. Clutch to keep clutching the games for your team. Why not? If he’s getting the playoff’s ticket sealed.