Steelers notes: Team struggles in Philly – but Russell Wilson does not

It has been discussed at length this week that the Pittsburgh Steelers have not won a game in Philadelphia since 1965.

That’s OK. Their starting quarterback has never lost there.

The Steelers have lost 10 consecutive in their trips across the state. But while he was with the Seattle Seahawks for nine seasons, Wilson won four in a row at the Eagles when making the trip across the country.

“You know, that’s old,” Wilson said Thursday. “But I’m aware.”

Included in Wilson’s victorious outings at Lincoln Financial Field is a 17-9 postseason win in January 2020. Wilson’s regular-season wins in Philadelphia were during the autumns of 2014, 2019 and 2020. He also beat the Eagles as a starter at home during the 2016 and 2017 seasons.

Counting the playoff game, Wilson has a 101.1 career passer rating against the Eagles, passing for nine touchdowns with only one interception in addition to a rushing touchdown.

In three games the Steelers have played at Lincoln Financial Field their starting quarterbacks (Ben Roethlisberger in 2008 and 2016; Kenny Pickett in 2022) have combined for no touchdown passes, three interceptions and a 61.2 passer rating.

Fan of Belichick

Among the most prominent alumni in the NFL coaching fraternity from the University of North Carolina, Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith last week confirmed he was contacted about the Tar Heels’ head coaching job.

The gig went to Bill Belichick, the six-time Super Bowl-winning coach. Smith on Thursday endorsed the move.

“I think it’s awesome. It’s great even for the whole game of football,” said Smith, who played guard for UNC from 2001-2005 and began his coaching career as a graduate assistant there. “You’re talking about somebody that’s won more (Super Bowls) than any coach in the history of the game.”

Belichick, of course, coached the New England Patriots from 2000-2023. He guided Super Bowl wins after the 2001, 2003, 2004, 2014, 2016 and 2018 seasons. The 72-year-old was a surprise hire by a middling ACC program.

“The times I’ve had conversations with him about a lot of things in the last couple years, I’ve learned something every time,” Smith said. “He’s a teacher of the game. He’s got a lot of wisdom that should carryover. Why wouldn’t you want to go learn the game of football from him, because like any great coach, he’s a teacher first, and really still a student. … I’m fired up for the university. I’m sure he’ll do a really good job.”