Steelers' Justin Fields Faces Brutal Criticism As Athleticism Masks His Failure To "Deliver The Football Down The Field"

The Pittsburgh Steelers made some significant moves this offseason. After a disappointing 2023 season marred by poor quarterback play, the Steelers stepped outside their usual playbook. They signed veteran quarterback Russell Wilson to a one-year deal and followed that up by trading for Justin Fields. This has sparked widespread debate about the legitimacy of the quarterback competition.

While Wilson is currently leading the race for the starting position, the Steelers have yet to name their official Week 1 starter. Wilson is widely considered the heavy favorite, but Fields remains in contention. The national media has been heavily debating the Steelers' quarterback situation, with many weighing in on who they believe should start. Among them, Booger McFarland offered his take on ESPN's NFL Live.

McFarland made a humorous comparison while discussing the situation, underscoring his low opinion of both Wilson and Fields. Despite his reservations, McFarland indicated that if he had to choose, he would reluctantly go with Wilson.

"It’s like asking a young bull, 'Hey bull, you want brussels sprout or asparagus?' I really don’t want either one, but if you force me to eat one of them, I am going to choose brussels sprout because I can drown it with some salt."

Wilson has an impressive resume, but his last two seasons with the Denver Broncos fell far short of expectations. When he signed a five-year, $242 million deal, many expected him to lead the Broncos to a Super Bowl or, at the very least, make them a strong contender. 

Instead, the team struggled under Wilson’s leadership, winning just 11 games over two seasons. Despite these struggles, McFarland would still choose Wilson as the starter, citing his ability to protect the football and avoid turnovers.

"If you're looking at Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, I think they both have their flaws, if I had to choose one to start, it would be Russell Wilson. I would hope that at some point, Russell's experience and his ability to minimize the mistakes and minimize the turnovers would show up. Because the same flaws he has leaving the pocket and not reading defenses down the field, aren't they the same flaws that Justin Fields has."

On the other side of the quarterback battle is Fields, who finds himself in a situation similar to Wilson’s, though under different circumstances. Drafted to be the future of the Chicago Bears, Fields hasn’t fully lived up to expectations. 

After three seasons, the Bears decided it was time to move on. Although Fields has thrown 40 touchdowns, he’s also been plagued by 30 interceptions during that time. While he’s earned praise as one of the most dangerous running quarterbacks in the league, McFarland isn’t impressed by his athletic talents.

"Now, I don't want to hear about Justin Fields' athleticism. That athleticism got him ran out of Chicago. At some point, at that position, you have to deliver the football down the field. And right now, neither one is doing a really good job of it."

Steelers Quarterback Room Sparking Concerns

Both Fields and Wilson have sparked considerable excitement with their potential. However, there are concerns about both players, and not everyone is convinced that the Steelers have a solid quarterback situation for 2024. It appears that Wilson is favored to start, as the organization views him as a win-now option. Meanwhile, Fields is seen as the potential future of the franchise.

The Steelers' quarterback room is set to continue to capture the NFL's attention throughout the 2024 season. Both Wilson and Fields possess significant potential and confidence. Steeler Nation will be eager and hopeful to see one of these quarterbacks meet expectations in the upcoming season.

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