Steelers Quarterbacks Get Harsh Backlash For Playing Awful Football In Preseason Match-up Versus The Bills

The Pittsburgh Steelers and the fan base anticipated some good outings from their two competing quarterbacks in the second preseason game of 2024, but Steeler Nation was severely disappointed with both performances Saturday night. Justin Fields had already gotten his feet wet last week when he started the Steelers' first match-up, but Russell Wilson made his first appearance as the team hosted the Buffalo Bills. The Steelers took their second loss of the preseason after losing to Buffalo, 9-3. 

The Steelers' organization has taken some harsh critique from the media this offseason about their changes to the quarterback room. Wilson came into Pittsburgh, essentially for free, after looking like his glory days were over. Meanwhile, Fields was traded by a franchise that hasn't won anything of any significance in quite some time, so what kind of upgrades are the Steel City actually getting?  

In Wilson's first outing with the Steelers' offense, he only threw for 47 yards on eight completions in nearly a whole half. He averaged less than six yards per completion, and was taken down for three sacks, two of them being on third down. To Wilson's defense, his starting offensive line certainly did a poor job on protecting him and buying him time. Strangely, right tackle Broderick Jones really struggled keeping the Bills defensive linemen in front of him. 

Fields on the other hand, completed 11 out of 17 passes for 92 yards and ran for 42 yards on the ground. Neither QB turned the ball over, but didn't seem interested in pushing the ball down field consistently. On top of that, the offensive play-calling from Arthur Smith seemed weak and predictable Saturday night, which is the last thing Steelers fans want to hear. Warren Sharp, an NFL analyst, didn't take it light on the Steelers and the QB situation after watching the performances versus the Bills.

Fields was able to create more splash plays with his leg Saturday, but still had his typical struggles trying to get in a passing rhythm. He had multiple high-risk passes that were nearly intercepted by the Buffalo defense. Coach Mike Tomlin wasn't happy after neither Wilson or Fields could put together a touchdown drive.

After an underwhelming performance from Wilson, Fields had a great opportunity to take a leap in the quarterback battle. Unfortunately, he didn't do much of anything to prove why he should be the starter for the Steelers. The starting gig remains comfortably in Wilson's possession, until he either regresses even more or if Fields decides to step it up. 

Steelers' Most Exciting Player Wasn't An Offensive Or Defensive Player

In case some from Steeler Nation missed something, Pittsburgh has a new punter. Cameron Johnston, a proven veteran that's been lighting it up for the Steelers, and he showed out versus the Bills Saturday night. With the offense not doing much and getting taken off the field so often, Johnston was given a lot of chances to punt. Johnston had multiple kicks that landed inside the 20-yard line and continually set up the defense nicely.

The Steelers had inconsistent kicks from their previous punter, Pressley Harvin III, who they decided to move on from after last year. Harvin gave Steeler Nation some headaches, but that won't be an issue any longer with Johnston in command. Aside from Johnston though, the Steelers have struggled on special teams when it comes to penalties. That will be a big emphasis from Tomlin as they work towards their next and final preseason game. 

What did you think of the quarterbacks Saturday night? Who is your starting quarterback for Week 1? Let us know in the comments below.

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