Why former Super Bowl MVP 'felt bad' for Russell Wilson during Steelers debut

Veteran defensive lineman Cameron Heyward recently criticized Pittsburgh Steelers fans for booing quarterback Russell Wilson as Wilson and the offense struggled in the first half of what became last Sunday's 37-15 home win over the New York Jets. 

During the latest edition of his "Simms Complete" podcast, one-time Super Bowl Most Valuable Player and current analyst Phil Simms shared what he noticed about Wilson's performance during the 35-year-old's official debut as a Steelers player. 

"Early in that game, I felt bad for Russell," Simms said, per Troy Montgomery of Steelers Depot. "You have a little nerves when you start games, but that was a lot of nerves. He was nervous." 

While Wilson is a veteran who possesses a championship ring and has played in two Super Bowl games, it's understandable he could've been more anxious than normal as he worked to shake off the rust he accumulated over the season's first six weeks when he was sidelined due to a lingering calf injury. After all, it's no secret pockets of Pittsburgh fans and some national media personalities thought Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin should stick with Justin Fields over Wilson after Fields guided the club to a 4-2 record. 

Tomlin instead went with his gut, and Simms noted that Wilson eventually "overcame" whatever ailed him in the first half after New York's Aaron Rodgers tossed a bad interception when the Jets held a 15-6 lead with 1:15 remaining in the second quarter. In total, Wilson completed 16-of-29 pass attempts for 264 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions against the Jets. He also added a rushing score while seemingly cementing himself as Pittsburgh's QB1 moving forward. 

Wilson and the 5-2 Steelers next host the 2-5 New York Giants this coming Monday night. As of Friday afternoon, DraftKings Sportsbook listed Pittsburgh as a six-point favorite for that matchup even though Big Blue has been better on the road than at home this fall. 

It will be interesting to see if Wilson looks more comfortable in the lineup while starting a game most outsiders expect will end in a Steelers victory. If he doesn't, he could leave the door open for Fields to get some meaningful snaps in front of a prime-time television audience.