The Pittsburgh Steelers have been one of the most talked about teams in the NFL ahead of Week 7, mainly because of their unique quarterback situation. Russell Wilson became a full participant in practice for the first time ahead of Week 6, but remained the backup. Head Coach Mike Tomlin announced on Tuesday that Wilson would be taking first-team snaps, along with Justin Fields, and Tomlin would decide his starting quarterback at the end of the week of practice.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Russell Wilson at Pittsburgh's voluntary offseason training program in 2024.
The fanbase is fairly split on who should be the starting quarterback in Pittsburgh, but signs have been pointing towards Wilson starting against the New York Jets all week long. Tomlin addressed the media on Friday and shared that he has made a decision, but he is keeping that decision in house for now. George Pickens didn't get that memo as he spoke to the media after practice on Friday.
"Yeah, we been getting on the same page after practice, throwing than usual. Cause you know, this is his first start."
Clearly this is not something that Tomlin wanted to get out, but Pickens accidentally let it slip. Tomlin probably wanted to keep the Jets on edge, as preparing for Fields is a lot different then preparing for Wilson. Fields is a weapon when it comes to his mobility in the running game, while Wilson is more of a threat through the air.
AP
Steelers' Russell Wilson talks to Justin Fields during a game.
Tomlin typically likes to keep things close to the vest, and he probably isn't happy with Pickens after his major slip up. This decision was part of Tomlin's gamesmanship ahead of the matchup with the Jets, it's similar to the way Fields wasn't ruled the starter until a couple hours before kickoff against the Atlanta Falcons back in Week 1.
Gene J. Puskar / AP Photo
Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson points towards some of his teammates as the offense prepares to run a drill during 2024 mandatory minicamp in Pittsburgh, PA.
Aside from Pickens announcing Tomlin's decision to start Wilson, this is still a bit of a surprising move. Fields led Pittsburgh to a 4-2 start in 2024, and it seems as though a lot of the players and coaches had bought into the fourth-year quarterback. His legs accounted for a lot of the offense for the Steelers - especially behind an offensive line that has been struggling.
With Wilson starting that added layer of the offense is taken away and it makes the unit more one dimensional. It will be interesting to see how that plays out against one of the better defenses in the league on Sunday night. The passing game should look better, as long as Wilson can buy himself enough time to throw and stay off of the ground.
What do you think of Wilson starting? Do you think this is the right move for the Steelers? Let us know in the comments below!
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