Mike Tomlin on why he's starting Russell Wilson: “I became a Lone Ranger”

Veteran quarterback Russell Wilson will make his first start for the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night, facing Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets.

Starting Wilson was a decision by Steelers coach Mike Tomlin that drew quite a bit of attention as the Steelers are off to a 4-2 start with Justin Fields under center.

But for Tomlin, it was about more than just his team's record. He wanted to see more from an offense that ranks 26th in receiving yards, and he's hoping to find it in Wilson's right arm, which Tomlin said still has more than enough life to make up for Wilson's limited mobility.

On Sunday, FOX Sports' Jay Glazer said he spoke with Tomlin and reported that the coach told him he had “become the Lone Ranger” with the decision to start Wilson.

According to Glazer, “(Tomlin said) look, if it doesn't work out, I'll take the responsibility, I'll take the blame, no problem. The reason I did that is because I knew I had two starting quarterbacks coming into camp that were very capable, but I wanted to see both before making a long-term decision. Well, I haven't seen the other one (Wilson, I want to at least see what I have of him). exhaust all options and then make a decision later.”

Tomlin continued, per Glazer: “I'm not trying to win games, I'm trying to win a world title here. I have to see what I have in both cases.”

Wilson's performance could determine Pittsburgh's season. The same goes for New York, where the Jets have undergone a major overhaul in recent weeks in hopes of revitalizing the club and its 40-year-old quarterback.

The Jets fired coach Robert Saleh on Oct. 8 and reunited Rodgers with his longtime vice president Davante Adams on Tuesday when they acquired the three-time All-Pro wide receiver from Las Vegas.

“It was weird, but it was really fun to see my friend,” Rodgers said of Adams, who is staying with Rodgers for now.

Rodgers would like to see Adams on the field and preferably in the end zone. For a team that has the second-best defense in the league, a little hit could go a long way.

The Jets' Davante Adams will make his debut, and the Steelers will start Russell Wilson

The situation is similar with the Steelers, who conceded the second fewest points in the league. Tomlin believes his team was good, but not great. If Wilson can rediscover some of the “Let Rus Cook” magic of his best days, Pittsburgh believes it can close the gap between itself and the teams at the top of the AFC that it has pursued in recent years.

Curiosity and respect led Tomlin to reach out to Wilson. Wilson strives to make a decision that seems risky at first glance, but in the end has a visual chance.

“I came here for one reason and one reason only, to win a Super Bowl. … I think we have that chance,” Wilson said. “But we have to do the work. There is still a lot to do.”

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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