One of the main summer storylines was Roman Wilson versus Germie Bernard. The returning player in Wilson who struggled to make an impact his first two years versus the fresh-faced rookie looking for a hot start. Wilson made plays in training camp. Bernard made them during preseason games. Aaron Rodgers had praise – and critiques – for both.
In Week 1, the Pittsburgh Steelers provided a clear answer. Roman Wilson is miles ahead of Germie Bernard to open the season.
Per charting by our Tom Mead, Wilson out-snapped Bernard 35 to 3 in the Steelers’ 20-13 win over the Falcons. That’s out of 61 non-penalty and kneeldown snaps, meaning Wilson played more than half of them while Bernard logged about five percent.
Bernard didn’t take the field until midway through the second quarter for a third-and-forever. He picked up another snap late before the half and saw the field for the Steelers’ failed fourth-down play. A clearly pared down game plan of situational football for Bernard as the Steelers ease him into action.
Wilson entered the year full speed ahead. He finished with just three catches for 26 yards but had a key 3rd-and-15 pickup after a DK Metcalf offensive pass interference. He ran good routes and gave AJ Terrell, Atlanta’s No. 1 cornerback, fits. His play speed and confidence, points Rodgers highlighted this summer, are much improved.
As expected, Mike McCarthy utilized more 11 personnel (three-wide receiver groupings). Roughly 57 percent of the time for the opener, a game in which Pittsburgh led the entire second half. Compare that to last year when the Steelers used 11 personnel only 38.7 percent of the time, 31st in football and only ahead of the Baltimore Ravens.
That naturally makes the WR3 spot more important and more involved. And the chance for Wilson to make plays. It’s a long season and Wilson still has to keep his spot. If Bernard makes plays, his snap count could quickly increase. Out of the gate, however, it’s clear there is no battle. Wilson is clearly WR3 and has his best chance yet to make an offensive impact.