Russell Wilson faced scrutiny from ESPN's Scott Van Pelt on Saturday when the quarterback refused to reflect on the Pittsburgh Steelers' spiral.
The Steelers have fallen to four consecutive losses to end the regular season, falling from the lead in the AFC North and from third place to sixth.
While Wilson admitted after a 19-17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday that Pittsburgh had endured “a tough few weeks” and that the Steelers needed a reset, he refused to dwell on the past.
“I don't really want to talk about the past just because I think we've been at it for a while,” Wilson said. “I think the best thing we can do is prepare for the playoffs. It's a new season. That's the only thing that really matters right now.
After showing a clip of Wilson's postgame interview on 'SportsCenter with Scott Van Pelt,' the host dug into the caller.
“Our job is to talk about the past,” Van Pelt began.
ESPN host Scott Van Pelt criticized Russell Wilson for his postgame comments
“It seems pretty relevant right now,” chimed in analyst and former Steelers defensive back Ryan Clark.
“We're not talking about '19, we're not talking about the Great Depression,” Van Pelt continued. “We're talking about the game you guys just lost, it's the fourth in a row.”
Wilson completed 17 of 31 passes for 148 yards and a touchdown against the Bengals in the Steelers' NFL regular season finale.
In 11 games this season, he recorded 2,482 passing yards, 16 touchdowns and five interceptions.
Justin Fields started the first six games of the season, after Wilson was sidelined with a calf injury, and led the Steelers to a 4-2 record.
After returning as a starter, Wilson went on a four-game winning streak but ultimately makes the postseason with a 6-5 record.
The Steelers' 10-3 run in their first 13 games before their four-game implosion to end the season was enough to clinch a playoff spot.