The Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback battle has been a major topic of debate throughout the 2024 offseason. When training camp began, Russell Wilson wasn't practicing due to a calf injury. Despite his desire to practice, Head Coach Mike Tomlin insisted on creating some short-term misery for Wilson, aiming to be overly cautious with their 35-year-old quarterback.
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Steelers' Mike Tomlin looks on as his team struggles.
Wilson's absence has given the Steelers' coaching staff an opportunity to take a closer look at another other new quarterback, Justin Fields. While Wilson holds the lead in the quarterback competition, Fields has a genuine chance to take the starting job. Reports indicate that Fields is gaining momentum in the battle for the top spot.
Tomlin recently joined Rhett Lewis and Marc Ross on Training Camp Live, where he detailed his growing admiration for Fields. Tomlin expressed surprise at Fields' impressive performance, highlighting his progress and potential to challenge Wilson for the starting role. As camp continues, the competition between Wilson and Fields is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing storylines of the Steelers' preseason.
"I love his professionalism, his consistent approach to work, he's got an even-keel demeanor that's good for leadership," Tomlin said. "And I've been surprised by his athleticism to be quite honest with you. I've seen video, obviously, but to see it up close and personal every day, he's a special athlete, man. He can do a lot."
The Steelers are in an intriguing yet challenging situation. They've been struggling to identify their next star quarterback, a quest that has haunted them for some time. While the rest of the AFC North boasts impressive quarterback play, the Steelers have lagged. However, the additions of Wilson and Fields for the 2024 season bring a fresh dynamic to Pittsburgh's offense. The key challenge now is to decide whether to invest in Wilson or Fields beyond this one-year rental.
Wilson has a slight edge due to his impressive resume. With nine Pro Bowls and a Super Bowl victory under his belt, his credentials speak volumes. He joined the Steelers after two tumultuous seasons with the Denver Broncos.
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Steelers' Russell Wilson chats with Justin Fields as the QB's warm up before practice.
Fields, on the other hand, was drafted by the Chicago Bears and spent three seasons with the team. Despite his potential, Fields struggled to establish himself as a reliable starter, throwing for 40 touchdowns and 30 interceptions during his tenure with the Bears. The Bears ultimately decided to move on from Fields, casting uncertainty on his future.
Steelers' Justin Fields Could Be The Best Running QB In The League
There’s no denying that Fields is a special athlete with the potential to be one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the NFL. However, concerns about his consistency, accuracy and decision-making persist. His 30 interceptions highlight his troubles when it comes to protecting the football. Some critics argue that the Bears' system was a poor fit for Fields and believe he could thrive in the Steelers' new-look offense.
Tomlin has been notably impressed with what he has seen from the young quarterback. Fields excels as a rusher, amassing 2,220 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground over his three seasons. His standout year came in 2022 when he rushed for 1,143 yards on 160 carries, scoring eight touchdowns and averaging 7.1 yards per carry and 76.2 yards per game. These rushing stats are remarkable, and many believe that working with Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith could elevate Fields' performance even further.
Associated Press
Steelers' Justin Fields running with the football during camp while OC Arthur Smith gets hype.
The Steelers are committed to evaluating Wilson's potential as their starting quarterback, but many pundits suggest that his leash could be very short. Fields’ athleticism and rushing ability make him an exciting prospect, but he must address his passing inconsistencies to secure a long-term role.
As the season progresses, Pittsburgh will have to make a crucial decision about their quarterback future, weighing Wilson’s experience against Fields’ raw potential. This situation, while challenging, offers the Steelers a unique opportunity to reshape their offensive identity and find the leader they've been seeking.
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