The Pittsburgh Steelers, with the recent acquisition of quarterback Russell Wilson, have positioned themselves as a formidable contender in the AFC, potentially challenging the dominance of Patrick Mahomes‘ Kansas City Chiefs. So far, other than the Ravens, Bills, and Dolphins, not many can claim to give a tough competition to the 4x Super Bowl Champions. But now change is in the air.

On a recent episode of ESPN’s First Take, Analyst Sam Acho argued that the Steelers’ well-rounded team dynamics will bolster their threat level in the AFC. And it’s not just because of Wilson. According to him, he might have been the missing piece all along in an already good team.

Russell Wilson’s ‘complete team‘ is an ‘absolute threat in the AFC‘

Acho highlighted the Steelers’ comprehensive strength across all aspects of the game—offense, defense, and special teams—as a critical factor in their elevated status. “Think about this,” Acho pointed out during his analysis, “even think about KBW on special teams, one of the best special teams players in the NFL.” The Steelers’ prowess is not limited to just one aspect of the game but extends across the board. “Then go to defense,” Acho continued, “we already talked about TJ Watt, haven’t mentioned guys like Minkah Fitzpatrick, some of the additions they’ve gotten in free agency as well.”

Acho enthusiastically claimed, “All of a sudden you plug in that quarterback, and then you already have the head coach. It definitely makes Pittsburgh an absolute threat in the AFC because of all of the pieces they have when it comes to being a complete team.” The Steelers’ strategic assembly of talent, combined with the strategic leadership of their coaching staff, positions them not just as competitors but as credible threats to the reigning AFC champions.

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However, it’s not just Acho that’s rooting for Wilson. Even the hard-to-please Stephen A Smith said that Wilson joining the Steelers could mean better things ahead for the squad.

Stephen A Smith defends Wilson from Sharpe’s attacks

Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe clashed in a spirited debate on First Take following Russell Wilson’s decision to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The exchange quickly escalated, with Smith critiquing Sharpe for his tepid response to the news. Sharpe likened Wilson’s availability to a highly desirable single woman in the dating scene.

Sharpe retorted, “Can I give it to you like this – he’s on the market. No matter how fine a chick is. If she’s on the market, what does that tell you?” He continued to illustrate his point. “That tells me that somebody didn’t want her. That don’t mean I shouldn’t,” Smith fired back, defending the potential that Wilson still holds despite being available.

As the intensity of the debate cooled, Smith questioned whether Wilson represented a “significant upgrade” for the Steelers from Kenny Pickett. Sharpe, sticking to his guns, used another colorful analogy to express his skepticism. “Bologna is an upgrade over potted meat, I don’t want either one of them though,” he concluded.

With such high praise from analysts like Acho, and defense from Smith, the expectations for the Steelers this season are notably high. Fans and commentators alike are eager to see if the synergistic combination of seasoned players and fresh talent, underpinned by Wilson’s leadership, will propel Pittsburgh to the forefront of the AFC.