The Pittsburgh Steelers are considering making a change at quarterback, with Russell Wilson potentially replacing Justin Fields, but Mike Tomlin is well aware of the differences
Pittsburgh Steelers’ head coach Mike Tomlin has admitted that Russell Wilson, unlike Justin Fields, can’t evade defensive pressure as he contemplates starting the veteran.
Wilson, after being let go by the Denver Broncos, inked a one-year contract with the AFC North franchise. However, due to a calf injury, his participation was significantly restricted during the offseason and preseason, giving Fields vital chances to lead the first-team offense.
In the preseason, the offense seemed to find a better rhythm with Fields in charge than with Wilson. Despite this, Tomlin named the veteran as the starter for Week 1, but ongoing issues kept him on the sidelines as Fields started the season.
The Steelers have had lacklustre quarterback play, but Fields has guided the franchise to a 4-2 record over six weeks. The former first-round pick has thrown for 1,106 yards in 2024, with five touchdowns and an interception, while also adding 231 yards and five touchdowns on the ground.
Fields’ ability to dodge pressure was clearly evident against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. He rushed 11 times for 59 yards and two touchdowns behind a shaky offensive line. However, his passing performance was efficient but not spectacular; Fields threw 14 of 24 for just 154 yards.
Steelers’ ironclad defense means their QB just has to steer clear of errors for a shot at victory. Yet, the attack is crying out for some zing and Tomlin’s hinting Wilson might just be the spark they need.
This Tuesday, Tomlin put it out there: Wilson’s in the running to lead against the Jets come Sunday’s showdown. Fields could find himself warming the bench if theres a switch at signal-caller.
The thought of Wilson taking snaps behind Steelers’ shaky O-line does raise eyebrows, especially when compared to the elusive Fields. Quizzed on whether Wilson could dodge defenders like Fields did in the Raiders clash, Tomlin didn’t mince his words: “No, he does not.”
Add to this, the Steelers are down three vital cogs in their offensive line, upping the anxiety over Wilson stepping into the fray. In the end, Tomlin was adamant that only an “in-helmet perspective” will dust off Wilson’s cobwebs and truly test his mettle in live action.
Wilson’s really got to pull out all the stops. Last time round, with Denver, he notched a 98.0 passer rating with 3,070 yards, 26 TDs, and eight INTs across 15 battles.
But Payton’s Broncos were so keen to shuffle the deck that they swallowed the bitter pill of Wilson’s $39 million bill due in 2024. Booting Wilson gave the Steelers the chance to snap him up for a song, stirring up competition with Fields.
The Steelers, with a 4-2 record, are set to face the Jets, who are currently 2-4, in their upcoming game on Sunday, Oct. 20.
