Steelers QB Justin Fields is pushing to make Russell Wilson obsolete in the ongoing competition for the starting quarterback position in Pittsburgh. Coach Mike Tomlin referred to the situation as “an incomplete study,” highlighting the uncertainty surrounding both players as they vie for the top spot.
In recent weeks, Fields has benefited from Wilson’s absence due to a calf injury, which has allowed him to showcase his potential. However, even with Wilson back in practice, the question of who will lead the Steelers remains unresolved.
Pittsburgh expected to clarify its quarterback situation sooner, especially after Wilson signed a surprisingly low one-year, $1.2 million contract. This deal was feasible for Wilson since the Broncos still owe him $37.79 million from his previous five-year, $242 million contract. Unfortunately, the expectations that came with Wilson’s signing have not been met, leading many to view it as one of the worst contracts in NFL history.
Wilson’s decision to join the Steelers at such a low rate reflects the pressure to perform under these circumstances, and Pittsburgh welcomed him with open arms.
The original plan was for Fields to take time to develop, using Wilson’s experience as a guide to reset after struggling in a Chicago offense that left him unsupported. Yet, Fields appears to be adapting well to the Steelers’ system despite challenges on the offensive line.
In the recent preseason matchup against the Bills, Wilson faced familiar problems from his time in Denver. Once celebrated for his elusiveness, Wilson was sacked three times on just 13 dropbacks, completing only eight of ten passes for a mere 47 yards, averaging an underwhelming 4.7 yards per attempt.
“You just don’t get a chance to see him operate or us operate or us establish rhythm and personality when you’re not winning possession downs, and we weren’t,” Tomlin remarked about Wilson’s struggles. “The first three series of the game were three-and-out, and you’re not going to get an opportunity to establish rhythm or play the way that you would like as an individual or a collective.”
Fields’ performance was not significantly better, as he completed 11 of 17 passes for 92 yards and took one sack. However, he also contributed eight carries for 42 yards, showcasing his ability to make plays with his legs.
“I thought he got better in some areas,” Tomlin noted regarding Fields. “He did a nice job utilizing his legs, whether it was impromptu or otherwise, to keep some situations alive.”
Had fourth-string receiver T.J. Luther not misread a deep pass, Fields might have connected for a 40-yard touchdown.
“I definitely feel like I could’ve come down with that one,” Luther commented, as reported by Steelersnow.com.
Neither quarterback managed to score a touchdown in the Steelers’ 9-3 loss to the Bills, which underscores the struggles both players face. This adds another layer to the quarterback competition: Fields has yet to prove he can decisively claim the starting role over Wilson.
“We work to score touchdowns,” Tomlin stated. “We’re just not going to compromise in that regard.”
Wilson has not yet returned to his previous form. Observers have noted that he still shows signs of the decline experienced in Denver. While there was speculation that Wilson might thrive under a different coaching scheme, his performance in Pittsburgh has not reflected a resurgence.
Even with a change in environment, Wilson struggles to regain his former prowess.
This is a time of heightened reactions in the NFL, particularly during the preseason. Analyzing these early performances can be misleading, as they often do not reflect the strategies that teams would employ in regular-season games. Former Steelers coach Bill Cowher believes Tomlin should lean toward starting Wilson.
“If I’m Mike Tomlin… I think you start the season with Russell,” Cowher said on “The Pat McAfee Show.” “Justin Fields, if he starts as the second guy, should have a package of plays. If you need a spark, put him in. If you have to take Russell out, he has the experience. It won’t damage his confidence. I don’t want to start Justin Fields and then feel pressured to make a change.”
While Cowher’s perspective holds merit, the question remains: Should a team choose its starter based solely on performance? Opting for a player simply because they are easier to bench seems misguided.
If the Steelers want to start Fields, they should commit to him as their choice.
Preparing for the possibility of a benching is wise, but allowing that to dictate the starting decision appears unwise.
Should Tomlin name Fields the starter, it raises questions about Wilson’s future with the team. It’s likely the Steelers would retain him on the roster as a backup, which is a sound strategy for team management.
However, this decision could significantly impact Wilson’s career trajectory.
If Fields continues to develop, he could potentially make Wilson’s role in Pittsburgh redundant.
