Business as usual for the Steel City in red-hot form! A 27-14 W over the Browns to solidify their claims of being one of the toughest right now. Not bad, eh? After all the deactivation chatter that surrounded George Pickens pre-game worked out well. All’s well that ends well, isn’t it? Now, even Russell Wilson has backed Mike Tomlin’s decision while also warning the league for what’s about to come.

“I have said it before [Pickens] is one of the best receivers in the NFL. Anytime he’s on the field, that’s a good thing for us. But, you know, the trainers made the right decision, just last second. We’ve got a lot of the season left. We’ve got a lot more games and we want him.” Clear and simple, leaving no room for any second guesses. That’s how clear Wilson has been, both on the gridiron and off it as well.

Tomlin? Pretty much on the same page. The Steelers’ HC kept it real: no way they’re turning a hammy into a season-long saga. Makes sense, right? Sure, he has his antics. From the controversies (eye black message) to the after-whistle drama or his midweek mic drops (playing the game of IT with the press).

But for all of George Pickens’ colorful moments. We can’t take away from the fact that the guy’s been solid as a rock for three seasons. Durable. Dependable. And let’s not forget, game-changing. So when Pickens landed on the questionable list for Sunday, his replacement wasn’t even planning to suit up as WR1.

How did Russell Wilson and Co. do in Pickens’ absence?

George Pickens missing a game? That’s like seeing the Steelers lose in Pittsburgh in December (at this point, all the other fandoms are wishing/praying for it). The guy’s been the Steelers’ iron man for a reason. Up until the SNF deactivation, he had played 46 straight games. That’s some feet. So, while we do understand why the injury might have occurred in first place, but we also have to admit what Russell Wilson and Mike Tomlin said about the need to give him rest.

Sure, everyone was on par with that thinking. However, even Scotty Miller, who stepped in as a replacement, was caught off guard.  “It was like three minutes before the inactives were announced. I’m just chilling in my street clothes,” Miller said. That’s the NFL for you—one moment you’re spectating, the next you’re thrown into the flames.

But hats off for Miller because he stepped up, instead of only filling in. Alongside the rest of the Steelers’ receiving corps, he helped fill the Pickens-sized void, and it was no small task. With a Jefferson touchdown and clutch 20-yard-plus grabs from Miller and Williams, they managed to keep the Browns at bay. Sure, the passing game started slow—Russell Wilson had just 46 yards in the first half—but they found their rhythm when it mattered.

By the end, Miller tallied 38 yards on three receptions, and the Steelers walked away with a 27-14 win. Not so flashy… But he didn’t need to be. Russ was doing the job from under center. However, whenever Scotty was called upon, he made sure he was READY and not just thinking about getting into his street clothes.