PITTSBURGH — The future of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback position is becoming clearer as the season unfolds. Before the season, coach Mike Tomlin designated Russell Wilson as the starter but also indicated that Justin Fields would have opportunities to showcase his mobility in specific game situations.
This context is relevant following Tomlin’s statement on Tuesday that Wilson will be “in contention” to either play or start against the New York Jets on Sunday night. This has led many to speculate that Fields may be benched, but the situation remains fluid. Fields could still earn the starting role, whether this week or later in the season. If Tomlin adheres to his earlier plan, the Steelers may utilize both quarterbacks rather than moving solely to Wilson.
Tomlin praised Fields, who achieved a 4-2 record as a starter, stating that while Fields has been “really good,” the team is striving for greatness in a competitive league. If Tomlin expects exceptional quarterback performance, Wilson must meet that same standard. After two challenging seasons with the Denver Broncos, Wilson must demonstrate he can elevate the offense, particularly since Fields has valuable experience with the first-team offense.
The quarterback competition from training camp may not be fully settled; it could be just getting started. Wilson is set to receive significant playing time with the first team for the first time since offseason activities, and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has recognized Fields’ potential, working to harness his abilities on the field.
The management of this quarterback dynamic will be pivotal as the Steelers aim to continue their playoff pursuit and break a postseason win drought that has lingered since 2016. Optimizing each player’s strengths will be essential to enhance an offense that has shown inconsistency.
With Wilson, the Steelers could benefit from his veteran prowess in his 13th NFL season. However, as Wilson approaches 36 and recovers from a calf injury, his mobility has diminished. He has faced significant sack pressure in recent years, leading the league twice in that category. The Steelers, with an inexperienced offensive line, may face substantial challenges against the Jets, who have recorded 20 sacks this season.
While Wilson has relied on mobility in the past to create plays, the Steelers must adjust their offensive strategy accordingly as his capability in this area has diminished. Nevertheless, Wilson retains a powerful arm and can effectively execute deep throws, which could complement a run-heavy offense.
Wilson’s accuracy as a passer is another advantage, particularly for a receiving corps that struggles to create separation. His presence could open up options for pass plays, which could alleviate some of the pressure on the Steelers’ offense.
However, Fields remains a dynamic offensive weapon. His elusiveness in the red zone and ability to escape pressure have been crucial. His speed enables creative play calls, and the Steelers continue to incorporate new elements into their running game that utilize Fields’ athleticism, such as the recently introduced speed option.
Starting Wilson may seem like a move away from using Fields’ skills, but the Steelers could strategically incorporate Fields as a runner, making it harder for defenses to predict offensive plays. Tomlin has refrained from disclosing how practice reps will be divided among the quarterbacks or how he will determine the starter, entertaining questions surrounding the evolving strategy.
In an ideal scenario, Wilson would manage the game effectively and add an aerial dimension, while Fields remains a vital part of the running game strategy. The possibility of Fields, like Wilson, becoming the long-term starter remains intact, especially if he continues to learn from Wilson.
As the season progresses, the Steelers may shift their strategy in-game, possibly using Fields to spark the offense during challenging moments. The situation is fluid and will develop as the weeks go by, ensuring that Fields remains a key player in the discussion.