Bill Belichick points out Steelers' biggest worries for the season (and it's not Russell Wilson)
Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers have high expectations this season. They improved their quarterback room with the addition of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, which makes them a viable threat in the AFC North.
Kenny Pickett, Mitchell Trubisky and Mason Rudolph started the games for the Steelers last season, but the the team finished 10-7 and made the playoffs. There are various concerns about Wilson and Fields, but they are still better than the quarterbacks the franchise had last season.
On the Pat McAfee Show, Bill Belichick was asked about his views on the Steelers, including their quarterback situation. Belichick mentioned that it's important for coach Tomlin to protect the ball and limit the turnovers, due to which Wilson could get the nod ahead of Fields for Week 1.
Moreover, Belichick highlighted the fact that the Steelers' offensive line is the biggest concern for the team. He mentioned that the offensive line needs to be consistent this year, as the Steelers will rely on a good running game under new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Belichick said:
"I think they have bigger problems than at the quarterback position… The defense is, you know, a pretty solid unit. The offensive line had a hard time being consistent there. They lost the tackles... they have a rookie center, and the guards, they've had some issues too in the preseason games.
"They need to get the running game going, they have good backs, they need to get those back started. Russell's good out of the pocket... But I think the problems are bigger than Russell Wilson. I think it's really offensive line and the running game."
The Steelers drafted two offensive linemen, Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier, with their first two picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, but it might take some time for them to see the field.
As of now, the Steelers offensive line depth chart looks like this:
- LT - Dan Moore Jr.
- LT2 - Devery Hamilton
- LG - Isaac Seumelo
- LG2 - Troy Fautanu
- C - Nate Herbig
- C2 - Zach Frazier
- RG - James Daniels
- RG2 - Mason McCormick
- RT - Broderick Jones
- RT2 - Dylan Cook
If the Steelers' offensive line holds up then their running back duo of Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren can make life a lot easier for the entire offense.
Warren recently picked up a hamstring injury and his status for Week 1 is uncertain. In his absence, Cordarrelle Patterson will likely serve as the RB2 behind Harris.
Steelers QB situation: Who will start in Week 1?
Both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields have played in the preseason for the Steelers. Fields has completed 16/23 of his throws in the two combined games for a total of 159 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. He also rushed for 42 yards on eight carries in the second preseason game against the Bills.
Wilson played only the second game of the preseason, wjere he completed 8/10 of his throws for 47 yards. Although nothing is confirmed yet, Wilson is expected to start in Week 1 for the Steelers.
It might be the last opportunity as the starting quarterback in the NFL for the 35-year-old quarterback, and he needs to make the most of it. As Bill Belichick said, the Steelers would want to limit their turnovers, which helps Wilson's case to remain as the starting quarterback over Fields.
If you use any of the above quotes, please credit the Pat McAfee Show and H/T Sportskeeda.