Steelers' Russell Wilson Seriously Facing Increased Pressure Heading Into Buffalo Bills Week

The Pittsburgh Steelers seem to have ended up with a more considerable quarterback controversy than expected. When they brought in Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, Head Coach Mike Tomlin said Wilson would have the "pole position" to be the starter based on his success and experience in the league. 

Unfortunately, Wilson missed time due to a calf injury that Tomlin indicated was minor. This opened the door for the younger Fields, and he has not wasted any time letting Pittsburgh see that he would like this starting job to be his. Fields has been steadily improving, which is winning many over. When he has played, Wilson has shown that he still has the arm strength and ability to make great passes.

Fields has not been flawless in camp, or during the first preseason game against the Houston Texans. However, we did see Fields improve his timing. He looked sharper than he did when he was with the Chicago Bears. That's why Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter Christopher Carter thinks the pressure on Wilson might be increased.   

"This is still his [Russell Wilson's] job to lose, but I think there's much more pressure because of the progress Justin Fields has made that Russell Wilson needs to actually not lose this job. Because now I don't think the Steelers are nearly as worried about putting Justin Fields in as they would have been maybe the first week of training camp."

Carter doesn't believe Wilson is "scared" since he has so much experience. A nine-time Pro Bowler, Wilson has been to two Super Bowls and won one. According to Carter, that gives him the skills to play under pressure. He said that guys like Wilson often deliver in big moments. 

During a recent practice, Wilson led the offense in the seven shots goal line drill, but did not perform well. Carter said the defense manhandled them. What he did see from Wilson was that he was firing passes crisply. It is possible that he will look more fluid as he gets back to working with the first team this week. That will lead to a better rapport with George Pickens and Van Jefferson. The Steelers host the Buffalo Bills this week for joint practice and a preseason game, and Wilson is expected to play. Carter thinks he needs to show up in a big way.

"If he comes out and has a bad showing, we may be having a different conversation about the Steelers' quarterback plans this time next week. I think he's going to be that guy, but my point here is in this Bills game, he better show up because I think that Justin Fields is a lot closer to him than many thought he would be going into training camp."

Carter still thinks it is most likely that the Steelers will allow the more experienced player to start in Week 1. Some have even commented that calling Wilson the starter is the easiest way to manage a player some see as a diva. Regardless, with both quarterbacks on one-year contracts, Fields is undoubtedly keeping it interesting. 

Steelers' John Rhys Plumlee Has Been Solid

While it is clear Wilson and Fields will take the first two roster spots, John Rhys Plumlee has been making a name for himself. Plumlee joined the Steelers after going undrafted out of UCF. He has shown himself to be a versatile, athletic quarterback, and the Steelers have put that to good use. 

During the preseason game against the Texans, he was on special teams as a kick returner and to protect the punter. Then, in the subsequent practices, he played all over the offense as a wide receiver in the slot, even making some catches.

The new kick return rules certainly have all teams looking for ways to get the most out of their roster personnel. While Plumlee had previously said he only wanted to play quarterback, the reality of making the team seems to have him more willing to experiment. 

How do you see the quarterback battle playing out? Click to comment below. 

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