An in-depth look at both quarterbacks through Pittsburgh’s first eight games…
While their path to this point was unconventional, the Pittsburgh Steelers enter their Bye Week with a 6-2 record and first place in the AFC North. This record comes largely in part by the excellent defensive play fans have seen week in and week out. However, maybe an even bigger contributor to their success is the strong play of quarterbacks Justin Fields and Russell Wilson.
When the Steelers signed Wilson this offseason, it was an expectation that he would be the starter. A few days later, the Steelers decided to go out and acquire Fields to the surprise of many. In hindsight, this was a genius move for several reasons.
First, the Steelers are paying Wilson and Fields under $3 million this year combined, so why not have two strong players for that cheap? Second, Wilson is aging and will inevitably hang it up sometime soon. Whether that time is soon or not, Fields is just 25 years old and still has plenty to prove in this league after disappointing times in Chicago. Finally, with Wilson suffering a hamstring injury early this season, the Steelers were forced to go with Fields for the opening six weeks. Fields’ performances may not have been jaw-dropping, but he got the job done. With that being said, let us dive deep into Fields’ six starts and check out what he did.
Justin Fields
Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Key statistics:
- Record: 4-2
- Pass yards: 1,106
- Pass touchdowns: 5
- Rush yards: 231
- Rush touchdowns: 5
- Interceptions: 1
Checking out the numbers for Fields through six weeks they are not too shabby. As a matter of fact, many called for Fields to remain the starter when coach Mike Tomlin announced he would be giving Wilson the reigns in Week 7. Regardless, Fields did more than plenty were projecting him to in his time starting.
Despite a losing effort, Fields’ highlight performance of his time starting has to be against the Indianapolis Colts. In this contest, Fields went 22/34 for 312 passing yards and a touchdown through the air. On the ground, Fields rushed ten times for 55 yards and two touchdowns. Before this game, the Steelers were winning games but had somewhat of a stagnant offense, not scoring more than 20 points through three weeks. This performance from Fields and the Steeler’s offense showed that there is potential for it to be a high-scoring offense. The ceiling was nowhere close to being hit, as we would all come to find out in Week 7.
Russell Wilson
Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Key statistics:
- Record: 2-0
- Pass yards: 542
- Pass touchdowns: 3
- Rush yards: 10
- Rush touchdowns: 1
- Interceptions: 0
With things starting off less than ideal for what Wilson may have pictured, he did not get down and has earned his spot as the Steelers QB1. Wilson remained patient, driven, and a strong leader during his time watching Fields run the Pittsburgh offense. Then, when his opportunity called, he busted the door down.
After a shaky first quarter in his first start as a Pittsburgh Steeler, fans in the stadium began to reign down the “We want Fields” chants. Wilson, being the veteran he is, shook it off, along with his first-game jitters, and came back to give the Steelers their best offensive performance of the season.
Wilson and the offense put up 37 points against a solid New York Jets defense. Aside from Wilson putting on a show, he was finally able to get the playmakers involved in the offense. Players such as George Pickens were finally allowed to break out and make the plays they had been incapable of in weeks past. It is this part of Wilson’s game that has made him the chosen one going forward.
Whether you think it should be Fields or Wilson, can anyone truly complain? Going from a quarterback room of Kenny Pickett, Mitchell Trubisky, and Mason Rudolph to Fields and Wilson is a night-and-day change. With every other analyst writing the Steelers off before the 2024 season, the 6-2 start is a team effort. Fields and Wilson have embodied what it means to be leaders and supporters of one another. As we look ahead to past the Bye Week, look for the comradery to continue whoever is catching snaps for the black and gold.