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The contributors of Behind The Steel Curtain give their thoughts on the latest news out of Pittsburgh.
Shockwaves made their way through Steelers Nation on Tuesday as a report broke that QB Russell Wilson is expected to start at quarterback over Justin Fields in Week 7 against the New York Jets on Sunday Night Football.
While HC Mike Tomlin didn’t confirm the report outright, he did acknowledge the willingness to explore Wilson as a starting option with another full week of practices ahead of him, having “proved his health” and now, looking to prove that he’s shaken off the rust. Is it wise to pull your 4-2 starter from the lineup, though?
We asked the contributors of Behind The Steel Curtain to share their thoughts on the potential quarterback change.
Should the Steelers start Russell Wilson over Justin Fields in Week 7?
The Steelers are 4-2, tied for the AFC North lead, coming off their second-highest point total since Ben Roethlisberger retired, and they are benching the guy with 10 TDs, 1 INT, and has a higher EPA per play than Patrick Mahomes? It makes no sense. — Jarrett Bailey
Admittedly I was “Team Russ” prior to the season, but I’ve moved off that idea to a large degree.
The Steelers have a bottom NFL-tier offensive line, running game, and wide receiver room. The only element of the Steelers offense that I’d consider well above average are the legs of Justin Fields.
Wilson’s mobility is limited even more so now coming off a calf injury. I could make a legitimate argument for him if the black and gold had actual weapons. He threw 26 TDs and 7 INTs last year in an ugly situation with the Broncos. He helped defeat the Chiefs, Bills, and Packers.
I don’t think this is as much of a Russ problem as it is a roster problem. And for him to succeed, Omar Khan needs to find some actual talent opposite of George Pickens. — Mike Nicastro
Dusting off Russell Wilson reminds me of the Steelers dusting off Mason Rudolph last year. That move provided an improvement then, but will this one work now? Rudolph had a better OL to work behind, and he had George Pickens as a WR2, not Van “down by the river” Jefferson.
Can Wilson’s passing elevate those around him? DK Metcalf and Courtland Sutton have produced pretty much the same with Wilson as they have without him, so I have my doubts. Can Wilson turn unblocked pass rushers into 15-yard gains like Fields has? At his age and coming off of a calf injury, I have doubts about his ability to get throws off in some of those situations compared to Fields being able to make plays with his legs. — Tom Fox
If the Steelers are seriously considering this move, then they are an unserious franchise. I keep hearing this sentiment that Russ is a superior passer, but that is divorced from reality. His career passing chart is nearly identical to Fields (lots to the outside, very little middle-of-the-field utilization). Russ holds on to the ball as much as Fields and will make many of the same mistakes that has folks frustrated with Fields. The tradeoff is you also lose the Fields rushing capabilities, which at times have been the only spark in the offense.
With a shaky offensive line that often forces Fields to create when a free rusher disrupts the pocket, Russ will be dead in the water or reaggravate his calf injury. Russ is as flawed if not more than Fields. I think those calling for him to start will get a cold dose of reality when the offense functions similarly with him at the helm, just with less explosive plays. — Ryan Parish
Fields hasn’t been perfect this season, but he’s been the only consistently dynamic part of the Steelers’ offense. He’s also far more likely to be a long-term option in 2025 and beyond.
While I see the logic behind wanting to see what Russell Wilson offers, Fields has still led the team to a 4-2 record to start the season and has the better skillset to make plays behind a struggling Pittsburgh O-line. I think Wilson at quarterback could work, but as of right now, I don’t think Mike Tomlin should’ve made the change. — Ryland Bickley
Hahaha! If overreactions could pay the bills, Steelers Nation would be swimming in riches. The quote from Tomlin on Tuesday was that Russ “is up for consideration.” Considering that Wilson was in the ‘pole position’ since he joined the team, this is hardly a shocking or controversial revelation. I fully trust Mike Tomlin to make the best decision to put the Steelers in the best position to get the win. — Kyle Chrise
I have an itch I need to scratch, and that itch is named Russell Wilson. I’m admittedly much less confident in Wilson than I was ahead of the season with a shaky offensive line riddled with backups and a wide receiver corps that pretty much ends with George Pickens. However, I’d be lying if I wasn’t curious after Justin Fields’ last outing what Wilson might look like in the passing game. It feels like the Steelers have continued to dial in the reigns for Fields (perhaps because of his propensity for turnovers — a big no-no in Pittsburgh), which makes me wonder if he’s just not the player they’ve designed this offense to revolve around. Nonetheless, this isn’t a supporting cast that’s set to prop Wilson up for success.
The Steelers always intended to make Russ QB1, which makes me feel like this is less of a “benching” and more of a “doing what we intended in the first place” type of move. So naturally, I understand satisfying the curiosity. If it’s clear Fields is the better option, make it final; bench/trade Wilson and committ to Fields, potentially long-term.
In all honesty, my preference would ultimately be to see an offense similar to what the Saints have constructed for Derek Carr and Taysom Hill, where you’re able to combine the passing proficiency of the former with the rushing upside of the latter. — Kate Magdziuk
When I heard we signed Wilson this offseason I was admittedly a little disappointed it was not Fields. Then when the news broke of Fields I worried about him sitting behind Russ all season.I think Fields had has chance and has ran with it. His ability to keep plays and drives alive with his legs has been a crucial part of our 4-2 start. His performance against Indianapolis showcased truly what he is capable of, despite the losing effort.
I do believe everyone deserves a chance and the same goes for Russ, I just wonder if it is the right time. Wilson is an excellent quarterback though. His pocket presence is uncanny, but how effective will that be in a team that has clearly struggled at receiver?Fields has not shown many flaws and has very limited turnovers this season. I feel that until he underperforms, he should be at the helm. — Alex Hanczar