We asked. You answered.
This week, the newly-minted 1-0 Pittsburgh Steelers take on the Denver Broncos on Sunday afternoon. Pittsburgh enters Week 2 with more optimism than at the beginning of the season, but the Steelers remain a team with plenty of question marks.
Earlier this week, we polled fans about their confidence in the direction the team is heading, as well as their thoughts on the quarterback situation and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s first game with Pittsburgh. Here’s what they had to say.
Fans want Justin Fields to start against the Broncos
The Steelers quarterback situation remains the biggest point of contention among fans. After Justin Fields’ good-not-great performance against Atlanta, is it time to roll with youth and upside at the position, or is the veteran option still the smarter choice?
Well, we asked, and 63% of fans seem to prefer sticking with Fields in Week 2. Of course, the elephant in the room is Russell Wilson’s health. If Wilson’s calf is 100% healed, would your opinion change?
Steelers OC Arthur Smith earns a “B” following Week 1
New Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith didn’t find the end zone in Week 1, but six scoring drives and a competent gameplan still seemed to earn a passing grade from the vast majority of Steelers fans. 49% put a “B” on Smith’s debut report card, with a “C” grade (42%) following closely behind.
More impressive might be more fans giving Smith an “A” (3%) over an “F” (1%). That has to be the first time in years.
74% of Steelers fans are confident the team is headed in the right direction
You read that right: Following a win over Atlanta in Week 1, nearly three-quarters of Pittsburgh’s fanbase is confident in the team’s direction — a decent-sized jump following the same question getting a 66% vote of confidence last week.
What a difference a win makes.
Facing a beatable Denver team in Week 2 with the defense firing on all cylinders and improvements due for every aspect of the offense, could the confidence numbers continue to rise? We’ll find out on Sunday.
Until then, stay tuned to BTSC for Steelers news and discussion leading up to gameday at 4:25 p.m. ET on Sept. 15.