Steelers' Mike Tomlin Blasted Amidst Losing Streak And QB Debate: "It Don't Take A F***ing Genius To Figure This Out"

The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing a pivotal decision regarding their starting quarterback. Should they stick with the original plan and start the former Super Bowl winner, Russell Wilson, or go with the semi-hot hand in Justin Fields? Wilson has been recovering from a calf injury and has been unavailable to play until now. 

Fields has led the Steelers to a surprising 3-2 start on the season. He sparked faith in Steeler Nation when he won the first three games out of the gate, but then took a ratings ding when he dropped two in a row. However, the question isn't as clear as a win/loss record. Fields is the quarterback likely to be the franchise's future; many see Wilson, who's 35, as only a stopgap. 

The question is which quarterback will take Pittsburgh further, and everyone is weighing in, including a former rival. On his podcast, The Pacman Jones Show, former Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones was asked who should be the starter in Pittsburgh. He said, in his opinion, it doesn't matter.  

"Justin Fields is already the f***ing permanent starter. The only way Russ hit the field is if Justin gets hurt. Besides, he's playing pretty good right now. Yeah, he missed the throw here and there, but if you look at the route, it was an over route, he made it like it was an under route when he should have kept climbing. Those balls happen sometimes."

Jones was joined by former NFL running back Todd Gurley, who agreed Fields is the starter, it doesn't matter whether they say it or not. He takes a shot at the Steelers' offense by saying he doesn't think Wilson would make a difference because he doesn't see anything changing with the offense. Jones agreed with him.   

"It don't even look like they can block nobody up front. He running for dear life. Mike Tomlin forgot, those first three weeks they won, guess what? He was play-action, on the move; where's that at right now? Why are we just straight drop back and shotgun and going through it? No. Let's put him up under the center, use the running game to make him throw the ball on the passing game. It's not that hard, bro; it don't take a f***ing genius to figure this out, Pittsburgh. And I don't really like helping y'all anyway."

The Steelers' offense certainly hasn't inspired confidence in fans. When Arthur Smith was hired to take over the offense, the expectation was that he would bring a punishing run game with him. No one expected a high-flying, pass-laden plan, but a solid balance between the run and passing games is his hallmark. 

Pittsburgh heads west to face their old nemesis, the Las Vegas Raiders, in Week 6, and it seems likely that Fields will start again. The question is just how short his leash will be. 

Steelers' Quarterback Situation Isn't Their Worst Problem

The Steelers have been plagued by injuries so far this season. It hasn't just been Wilson, but also their first-round pick Troy Fautanu, third-round pick Roman Wilson, and two of their running backs, Jaylen Warren and Cordarrelle Patterson. Their defense has also been banged up, and critical players like Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, and DeMarvin Leal have been marked out for the Raiders game. 

That contributes to the issues that Fields has been having on the offense. Their run game has been stagnant and one-dimensional without the one-two punch that Warren or Patterson provided when partnered with Najee Harris. The offensive line can't make the running lanes they need to, with rookie center Zach Frazier being the only consistent effective blocker. 

They also lack weapons for Fields to target. Wide receiver George Pickens had his share of issues early this season. He ended up sitting out a lot in Week 5 and was sorely missed when there was no one else to throw the ball to -- and Harris wound up with the most receiving yards.  

Do you think Wilson could do more than Fields in this offense? Click to comment below. 

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