Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has not ruled out using Justin Fields in a specialist role, despite the former first round pick losing his starting role to Russell Wilson
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has hinted at having a ‘Justin Fields package’ ready in the team’s offensive strategy, despite Russell Wilson being the starting quarterback.
Since stepping up as the starter, Wilson has shone brightly for the Steelers, amassing 63 points, over 500 passing yards, and four touchdowns, all while unlocking the potential of breakout star receiver George Pickens.
Fields was controversially benched following a stellar victory, with the Steelers flaunting a respectable 4-2 record during his tenure as a starter. However, Tomlin had been keen to witness Wilson, who he had originally anointed as the starter at the season’s dawn, take command of the field, especially with Fields faltering in his role as a pocket passer.
Tomlin’s bold move to swap Fields out for Wilson seems to have paid off, but fans are speculating whether the coach might benefit from employing both quarterbacks strategically.
While Wilson has established himself as the superior thrower, Fields’ explosive running ability remains an undeniable asset – one that Wilson lacks, prompting supporters to call for Fields to re-enter the fray for specific plays, perhaps on crucial 3rd and 1 situations.
When probed by a journalist about the possibility of using Fields, Tomlin didn’t discount it, remarking: “I would always anticipate seeing that as long as both guys are on our roster.”
Before Wilson’s injury sidelined him for the opening six games, Coach Tomlin had revealed plans to start Wilson but utilise Fields whenever he deemed it necessary. The Steelers have emerged as serious contenders with Wilson at the helm, largely thanks to their formidable defence, spearheaded by the prodigious TJ Watt.
Despite the competitive nature of their roles, Wilson and Fields have maintained a positive rapport, often seen sharing smiles on the sidelines during recent matches. On Fields, Wilson remarked: “First of all, Justin is such a tremendous football player.
“For us, it’s really about us winning, and him getting in there and playing ball [and] when and if he does, I know he’ll do great. There’s always the different things we talk about. How he gets in there, how we do this, how we do that, if that ever comes up. But I just think the biggest thing is just, it’s all about us together. That’s really how I think about it.”
