Monday, October 27
A new role: Linebacker Payton Wilson went out to midfield on Sunday night for the coin toss as the special teams captain for the game, assuming the role that was held by Miles Killebrew before he went out with a season-ending knee injury.
It's a role Wilson takes seriously and is proud to represent the unit.
"In our Wednesday team meeting, they told us in the team meeting," said Wilson of when he found out. "So just really honored about that. Thanks to Coach (Mike) Tomlin. Thanks to Miles, he's a great leader. He's been a great role model. So just hopefully I can fill his role."
"We got in the team meeting on Wednesday. Coach Tomlin went over it and then it went on from there. It's a great blessing and a great honor."
Wilson understands it comes with responsibility, and he is not shying away from it.
"I would just say being a leader out there on teams," said Wilson. "Miles was the voice, everything on teams. Everything we did on teams, Miles broke the huddles down, ran our meetings sometimes, certain things like our Saturday punt meeting and things like that. So just taking that stuff over and being a voice in the room when we're struggling a little bit or something doesn't go our way.
"Miles was always a great voice for us in there. He was always great to everybody in the room. So just trying to fill that role."
With the Steelers losing the last two games, having players step into leadership roles is key, keeping everyone together and on the same page and making sure they respond to the adversity.
Wilson is ready to do his part.
"When things start going south, they really start going south," said Wilson. "We came out flying, had a really good first half. And then once things started going south, it felt like everything just fell apart.
"So, we can't really ride that roller coaster of emotions. Especially when the defense is on the field, we just got to do our job the whole game. It can't be one quarter, one good drive, and then the rest of the game, we have to do it the whole game.
"We've got a lot of ball left, so we just have to build. We have to get better on defense. We've got to do our jobs better, we have to do our responsibilities better, and we just have to play harder and more physical.
"We've just got to do our job. I feel like Coach is putting us in the right position. Sometimes we're just not making plays. Obviously, offensive coaches are great minds too. So, they make great calls, but we just have to execute. We've just got to out execute the other team."
Next man up: Coach Mike Tomlin has yet to address the severity of the knee injury safety DeShon Elliott suffered against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night, but whatever happens, veteran defensive back Chuck Clark is ready to step up.
"I mean it sucks when you see a teammate go down," said Clark. "You hate to see anybody go down, especially a guy like that. He brings a lot of energy to our defense.
"I feel comfortable. I mean I'm a veteran player. I know this defense, know what's expected, know how to play football. I know football, so I'm comfortable with that."
Elliott is a leader in the secondary, a communication hub and someone who brings a unique style to the group that keeps them hyped.
It's not about replacing that for the secondary. Instead, it's about adding something new.
"Bring your own twist, honestly," said Clark. "Whatever you bring to the field, what you do, bring your own twists.
"I think communication is a big thing. Communication is where it starts and that's where we all get comfortable."
Being comfortable with every aspect is a key this week facing a strong Colts team that is in first place in the AFC at 7-1.
And with a team that is coming off two losses, and the defense giving up 400 plus yards in both of those losses, the key is not losing focus.
"Personally, I don't get frustrated," said Clark. "I love this game. I love what comes with it. There and ups and downs in it. But we're playing a game that children love, and this is our livelihood.
"So, I'm not getting frustrated with it. I definitely get (ticked) about things that happen for sure, but it's time to grow, to get better."
Hard work pays off: Receiver Roman Wilson scored his first NFL touchdown on Sunday night against the Packers when he caught a 21-yard pass from quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
While it meant a lot to Wilson to catch that first one, it was more about the final result.
"I was more focused on winning the game and looking more forward to my next game," said Wilson on Monday.
Wilson finished the night with four receptions for 74 yards, including a 45-yarder. It's a result of his chemistry with Rodgers coming together as the season rolls along.
"Just working hard and really listening," said Wilson. "Showing up at practice and proving myself."
Sunday night was the most involved Wilson has been in the offense, and he said the key is just always being prepared for whatever comes his way.
"Just staying focused, I think that's the biggest thing," said Wilson. "Making sure I'm where I'm supposed to be at, making sure that I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing. So, if you prepare to succeed, then obviously it's going to work out for you."
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