Steelers’ Russell Wilson Making It Clear He's "The Better Quarterback" Compared To Justin Fields

The Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback room has undergone significant changes. All three quarterbacks who saw game action for the Steelers during the 2023 season have moved on to different teams. In response, the Steelers took an aggressive approach this offseason, bringing in two new quarterbacks. First, they signed Russell Wilson to a one-year deal at the veteran minimum. Then, they traded for Chicago Bears QB Justin Fields.

The acquisition of these new quarterbacks has generated considerable buzz this offseason. Wilson, the more established veteran with a Super Bowl title, is expected to be the starter. However, Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin has stated that Wilson is only in pole position, leaving the door open for Fields to compete for the starting job.

As players report to training camp, the quarterback competition will be closely monitored in Pittsburgh. Mike DeFabo of The Athletic recently provided insights into the ongoing battle between Wilson and Fields, highlighting the intrigue and intensity of this offseason showdown.

“Well, the way that Mike Tomlin has described this scenario, especially with Justin Fields here. Russell Wilson has a pole position. Now as we know from any kind of race. Just because you start in pole position does not mean you will win it.”

DeFabo, like many reporters covering the Steelers, has been closely monitoring Pittsburgh's quarterback situation, particularly how the reps were divided during the offseason. DeFabo has noted something intriguing about Wilson and the distribution of his practice reps.

“So a lot of reporters kept their eyes closely on the way that reps were being split up in OTAs and mandatory minicamp and also how both the quarterbacks did with those opportunities. It seemed to me that Russell Wilson took virtually every meaningful rep with the first team. What really stuck out to me was on the very last of mandatory minicamp a lot of the guys, like Cam Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick -- that was their opportunity to take the day off… Russell Wilson did not take the day off.”

DeFabo doesn't think it's much of a secret who the better quarterback in Pittsburgh is.

“Not only is Russell getting those first team reps, he is also, in my opinion, and from my evaluation, he has clearly been the better quarterback. I think he has been putting the ball where it needs to be more of the times. He has been processing things much more quickly. I would expect Russell Wilson to ride this pole position into the season as the starter.”

Steelers fans have heard a wide range of opinions from various respected pundits. Some believe Wilson can lead the Steelers back to playoff success, while others think he has lost his touch. Meanwhile, some pundits favor Fields for his youth and athleticism. 

Fields is a dynamic quarterback who is particularly dangerous when running with the football. Although he has shown flashes of potential as a passer, he has yet to demonstrate consistent high-level performance.

Wilson, on the other hand, has a proven track record. Despite struggling in his first season with the Denver Broncos, he improved in his second season, throwing for 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions. However, his team still struggled to win games. This contrast between Wilson's experience and Fields' potential has fueled the debate among fans and analysts.

Steelers' Russell Wilson Looking To End His Career On A High Note

The Steelers' quarterback battle between Wilson and Fields is shaping up to be intriguing. Wilson is the favorite to start, aiming to resurrect his once stellar career and win over Pittsburgh fans. 

Fields, meanwhile, is positioned to learn from Wilson and seize any opportunity that comes his way. The quarterback situation in Pittsburgh looks promising, with Wilson seemingly in the lead. DeFabo is confident that Wilson is the better quarterback, making it his job to lose.

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