Justin Fields went 4-2 through the first six games of 2024. In that time, he accumulated 10 total touchdowns and only threw one interception. By those metrics, most believe the Pittsburgh Steelers should stick with the former 1st round pick until proven otherwise. However, it appears head coach Mike Tomlin reached a different conclusion. It was reported this week that Russell Wilson, finally recovered from a persistent calf injury, is in line to start this weekend for Pittsburgh.
Some people can’t understand the decision. In Tomlin’s mind, the reason is simple. While he tried to keep his comments careful, he failed to hide the truth: the Steelers need more from the passing game.
That is a harsh statement but not a false one. The reality is the Steelers’ offense has mostly benefitted from a combination of a soft schedule, a great defense, and Fields’ rushing ability.
Mike Tomlin knows they can’t win in January without a passing game.
Fields has been efficient throwing the ball this season but not explosive. Through six games, he has 1,106 yards and five touchdowns through the air. That puts him on pace for 2,878 yards and 14 touchdowns. He is able to supplement this with his rushing ability, scoring five touchdowns on the ground. The problem is that it rarely translates to success in the postseason. Lamar Jackson is a far superior version of what Fields is and he hasn’t even reached a Super Bowl.
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Say what you want about Mike Tomlin. He’s not a fool. Wilson may not be the player he was a few years ago, but his track record as a passer is still more established than Fields. If he can elevate that area of the offense, Pittsburgh will have a chance to compete with the big boys like Kansas City, Buffalo, and Houston three months from now. One can only feel bad for Fields. Unfortunately, this was the exact reason Chicago moved on from him in the first place.
Really, I’m kind of intrigued to see what kind of gas Wilson has left in his tank. I kind of think he is going to lay an egg and by the second half Fields will be back at QB. Wilson is a prima donna. I mean he had his own staff and entourage in Seattle and then went to Denver. When Sean Peyton took over as coach and told Wilson his staff had to go, butting of heads ensued and Wilson got shown the door. Wilson is getting older and extended plays with his legs, I’m just curious if he… Read more »
I don’t believe either quarterback will be great in that offense. The biggest reason is they only have one wide receiver that is worth anything and he gets double coverage most of the time. And Pickens is not as good as DJ Moore at creating space from coverage. A fact that Lamebert and all the other commenter’s seem to have missed.
*Anything that isn’t positive, happens to Justin Fields*
Erik Lambert: “Just went from 6 to midnight”
I’ll bet Lambert had a stiffie when he saw this news allowing him to dump on Fields one more time.
Well, for the Bears sake, here’s hoping Wilson sucks, and Fields plays at least 3 more games, so the Bears pick up that 4th rounder. I won’t root for an injury to Wilson, but that would work too. Can’t argue with Tomlin’s logic. I was hoping that the Steelers offensive coaches could teach Fields to be a NFL passer, and then his combination of adequate passing and great running could make him an NFL starter. I’m also surprised that the Steelers didn’t capitalize on Fields best passing asset, his deep balls. Second and three, put three WRs on deep routes,… Read more »