Category: Steelers quarterback competition

Steelers fans have mixed reactions to Week 7 QB decision

While the news of Russell Wilson getting the starting QB reps in practice was shocking, Steelers fans have mixed reactions to the news.

The ‘Steel City’ is still in disarray, as just when it seemed Pittsburgh had found their quarterback of the future, Justin Fields, after improving to 4-2 under their young signal caller, Mike Tomlin pulled the rug out from under everyone. Russell Wilson, who has been nursing a calf injury for most of the preseason and almost every regular season game so far, appears to be on track to start for the Steelers in Week 7. 

While Fields seems to be handling the news with maturity and poise, former coaches, players, analysts, commentators, and Steelers fans are left scratching their heads. Some fans have argued for Wilson’s inevitable opportunity to start, while others insist it’s impossible to bench Fields after winning 4 out of 6 games for the team. 

Tomlin’s Week 7 QB decision is polarizing, to say the least, and fans have taken to social media, expressing mixed emotions. Here are some of the best reactions to Fields being benched in favor of Wilson: 

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Bill Belichick on Steelers QB room: “Might have the best one in the league”

Bill Belichick, 6-time Super Bowl-winning headcoach, spoke highly of the quarterback situation in Pittsburgh.

It wasn’t too long ago when the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ quarterback room had more questions than answers, such as in 2023, when the roster had what many considered the worst QB room in the NFL.

That all changed, however, when the Pittsburgh Steelers signed Russell Wilson and traded for Justin Fields this last offseason.  The 2024 roster had a significant upgrade at the quarterback position compared to previous seasons. While everyone, including us at Steelers Wire, wants to know who the definitive starter will be moving forward, six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach Bill Belichick has a different, optimistic point of view.

Speaking on the Steelers quarterback situation while on the Pat McAfee Show, Belichick argued that having an experienced veteran like Wilson playing behind a young Fields, who is off to a great start, is something that other teams would kill for.

https://twitter.com/PatMcAfeeShow/status/1838272937398255965

Having tormented Pittsburgh for over two decades with the New England Patriots, Steelers fans can be satisfied with the subtle change and respect shown by their former adversary in Bill Belichick.

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Steelers offensive line dictates who Mike Tomlin should start at QB

The Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line doesn’t appear ready to protect a quarterback that isn’t Justin Fields.

We’re all guilty of overreacting to the product the Pittsburgh Steelers put on the field before meaningful games are played.

Everybody together now: It’s only the preseason.

But facts are facts.

Russell Wilson and Justin Fields have performed poorly through two preseason games. Neither has produced points, and both have struggled to remain upright. The offensive line, a unit whose personnel isn’t the same as anticipated for Week 1, allowed three sacks of Wilson in 13 pass plays (five drives) and one more on Fields.

Perhaps Wilson is tricking us all and didn’t display his best mobility last week. After all, he’s coming off a calf strain, but he did say the calf wasn’t an issue and that he felt “great” and “strong” versus the Buffalo Bills. But it’s tough to believe Wilson’s not limited mentally or physically after troubling him most of training camp.

When Mike Tomlin names Wilson the starter, as expected, the first portion of the season could be a tough row to hoe. The offensive line doesn’t appear ready to protect a quarterback that isn’t Justin Fields, and Wilson could very well fear for his life. It took the unit several weeks to gel last season, and there is no reason to believe it won’t require the same in 2024, especially if tackles are still being shuffled around. This dictates who Mike Tomlin should name the Week 1 starter.

Wilson, turning 36 in November, doesn’t possess the athleticism and mobility of Fields. Starting the former first-round pick can provide that spark by using his legs and helping to extend plays. Having the ability to allow plays to develop further opens up the playbook (and makes George Pickens, Van Jefferson and Pat Freiermuth happy).

Of course, such a decision would mean there’s no looking back. No going back to Wilson. And it’s tough to imagine he’d roll with that.

But really, now — We all know who Tomlin is naming QB1. The Steelers and its fanbase will have to deal with the consequences.

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