What Russ, Brissett means for their teams’ pass catchers

NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at Detroit Lions

The Patriots and Steelers made fantasy football less fun this week when they named Jacoby Brissett and Russell Wilson, respectively, as their Week 1 starters.

Please ignore that I have massive, life-altering exposure to Justin Fields in best ball leagues. This is the most sober analysis I can offer right now.

Below is a look at what Wilson and Brissett under center means for pass catchers and running backs in the Steelers and Patriots offenses, and how you should value those players ahead of opening day.

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Steelers Name Wilson QB1

Russell Wilson’s short leash will certainly remain short when the regular season kicks off. Head coach Mike Tomlin desperately wanted Wilson, coming off two catastrophic years in Denver, to seize the starting job in training camp, but injuries and poor play gave Fields the chance to take the Week 1 gig. Fields, however, was only OK in three preseason games (70 percent completion rate, 7.4 yards per attempt, no touchdowns or interceptions on 38 drop backs, and 13 rushes for 48 yards).

Wilson under center likely means more pass attempts to go around for Pittsburgh pass catchers. Unlike Fields, Russ won’t (can’t) take off when things get hairy in the pocket and will instead log a pass attempt rather than a rush. That should be good for George Pickens, who has survived the Brandon Aiyuk Soap Opera and profiles as the clear No. 1 wideout for the Steelers.

I should note that Pickens, when Diontae Johnson missed a few early season games in 2023, saw 48 percent of the Steelers’ air yards and 30 percent of the team’s targets. Those are silly numbers. In a good way.

Short-area pass catchers should benefit from Wilson at…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/russ-brissett-means-teams-pass-133317369.html

Author : NBC Sports

Publish date : 2024-08-29 13:33:17

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