Madden Monday: Steelers' biggest win with Russell Wilson as QB is: 'George Pickens is not wasted'

After the Pittsburgh Penguins looked tough against the Winnipeg Jets on Sunday afternoon, the Steelers' offense appeared to be strengthened against the New York Jets on Sunday night.

So let's start with the good before we get to the bad as we dive into this week's “Madden Monday” podcast with Mark Madden of 105.9 The X and TribLive.

We start with the Steelers' quarterback switch from Justin Fields to Russell Wilson and the immediate dividends that paid off for the passing game. The Steelers managed 264 yards through the air in Wilson's first start as a Steeler. The club averaged 167.5 with Fields under center.

“This is what a real NFL offense looks like,” Madden said. “This is what a real NFL quarterback looks like. It’s been so long since we’ve seen one of these that we may have forgotten what it looks like, but it looks like it.”

Madden says Wilson's greatest attribute is what he can do to maximize George Pickens.

“The Steelers' biggest gain from having Russ at quarterback is that George Pickens won't be wasted. “With Justin Fields, George Pickens was always going to be a waste,” Madden said. “He was frustrated too often. Chances are we're headed for a big explosion. Look at the difference Pickens made (Sunday). He doesn't do that with Justin Fields as his quarterback. Absolutely not.”

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It wasn't just Pickens. Some of the other pass catchers were able to get involved in the aerial attack with Fields at the helm. Tight ends Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington had four catches. Van Jefferson had a touchdown and Calvin Austin had a 36-yard reception.

“That’s what a real quarterback does. He spreads it around. He involves everyone. “I’m not saying it’s important to keep people like Washington happy, but everyone involved keeps everyone engaged,” Madden added.

As for the Penguins, yesterday's result in Canada was a different story. They lost 6-3 in Winnipeg. Madden's message on this front is not to overcomplicate the analysis.

“They’re not very good,” Madden said. “The problem is something I've been saying for years. They don't see themselves as they really are. They think they are a fast team that can attack, attack, attack. In reality, they are a slow team that needs structure more than ever.”

Madden is frustrated with one player in particular.

“The guy that drives me crazy the most is Erik Karlsson,” Madden said. “He is so bad that it defies description. He’s so bad you forget he was ever good.”

We also praise the contributions the Steelers received from Beanie Bishop on the podcast, the running game and the special teams. We also talk about next week's game against the New York Giants and Deshaun Watson's injury in Cleveland.