Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) smiles as he leaves the field after the NFL football game vs. the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
PITTSBURGH (AP) – Justin Fields is considering putting Russell Wilson on the bench even though the Pittsburgh Steelers are 4-2 and tied with Baltimore for first place in the AFC North. He seems to agree.
The fourth-year quarterback knows Wilson has done some good things as a replacement while rehabbing a lingering calf injury, but Fields believes Fields should remain the starter when Wilson returns. I’m not sure that gave coach Mike Tomlin enough evidence to convince him. in perfect health.
“To tell you the truth, I don’t think I played well enough.” Fields said Thursday. “If I’m honest with myself, if I’m playing well enough, I don’t think there’s a question of who should play and who shouldn’t play.”
Tomlin declined to announce his starter for the visiting New York Jets (4-2) on Sunday night, but all signs point to Wilson, 35, making his Pittsburgh debut. The nine-time Pro Bowler got extended snaps with the first team this week, but in a notable move, Fields spoke before Thursday’s practice rather than after, as has been the norm all season.
Tomlin, who Fields and the Steelers have played together, opens the door for Wilson to return. “Sometimes really good” In the first third of the season, it was “Not to be confused with great.”
Fields scored 10 touchdowns (five passing, five rushing) and only three turnovers (one interception, two fumbles). But Tomlin’s accuracy has declined over the past two weeks, and with a daunting second-half schedule looming after the team’s bye week in early November, Tomlin is not ready to see what Wilson can offer. Looks like it’s done.
Tomlin and first-year offensive coordinator Arthur Smith make it a point to praise Fields at almost every turn. While Tomlin consistently praised Fields’ toughness, Smith marveled at the 25-year-old’s maturity and noted that Fields was blaming himself despite his game. A very solid, if not always spectacular play as evidence of Fields’ selflessness.
“I think that’s why you like working with Justin. Because it’s authentic.” Smith said. “This is not just a cliché that some TV guru or someone (else) told him to say.”
Fields, who the Steelers acquired in a trade with Chicago just days after signing Wilson to a one-year deal, shrugged when asked about the mental impact of the impending demotion.
“I just do my job.” he said. “And even if it’s during a play, helping the guys on the sideline, telling them what I saw (or) helping Russ if he’s in the game. .”
Mr. Fields and Mr. Wilson appear to have maintained a friendly relationship throughout this process. Wilson openly cheered as Fields sprinted to the end zone against the Raiders, and Fields paid tribute to Wilson’s status as the record holder. “Pole position” We both started work the day we arrived.
Still, this speaks to the unusual position the Steelers are in.
For example, Tomlin said at a press conference on Tuesday: “Statistics are often for losers. It’s comfort food when you suffer (losses).” And historically, coaches and quarterbacks have said they are only defined by winning. Pittsburgh is off to a 4-2 start for the second straight game.
A year ago, the offense was in much the same situation. Kenny Pickett was in his first full season as a starter, but there was no talk of a move, even though his point total was very high.
Tomlin noted that the variables are much different this time. At the time, Pittsburgh was committed to Pickett as its franchise quarterback, and his backups were Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph, neither of whom have Wilson’s resume.
By comparison, Wilson and Fields could both become free agents next spring. Having Wilson play will at least give Tomlin an idea of his future relationship with both players.
When asked if Fields’ confidence would be shaken if Wilson were to be successfully acquired against the Jets, Smith’s answer was accurate in explaining the somewhat strange position the Steelers are in.
“He has 4 wins and 2 losses.” Smith said. “He was pretty productive.”
Apparently he’s not productive enough to stay on the field. At least for now.
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