Former Bengals wide receiver slaps down “annoying” idea of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields taking turns at QB1 throughout games
Justin Fields and Russell Wilson are locked into perhaps the worst-kept secret training camp battle of the 2023 preseason. While most competitions leave one starter and one backup, many fans, analysts, and pundits have pushed for both to share the starting role.
Speaking on a Monday, August 5 edition of "Get Up," NFL analyst Andrew Hawkins expressed why he strongly disliked the idea.
"That is essentially like showing up at the barber shop and you give me a different barber every single time. My game is tailored to who my quarterback is and it would be so annoying to, throughout the game, have [my quarterback] teetering [that way]," he said [00:03:26][39.7].
He also claimed it could lead to a divide in the locker room as some players could prefer one quarterback over another. Of course, the closest system to this proposed idea is in New Orleans. Even when Drew Brees was still in the league, the team took turns to put in Taysom Hill.
Hill was a quarterback who played snaps at wide receiver, running back and tight end. On some plays, both he and Brees would share the field. In other situations, Hill alone would line up under center. Sometimes, Brees alone would be on the field. The dual quarterback setup caused a lot of confusion for defenses and has yet to be truly replicated.
However, back then, it was clear that Brees was the starter and Hill was the backup. However, it would likely be much less clear in the Steelers' situation, which could lead to problems.
Russell Wilson's quarterback battle just one of two key offensive questions
The Pittsburgh Steelers have filled headlines with their cold war-esque quarterback battle between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. However, there is one other massive question surrounding the team. Even if the team figures out the quarterback, there is still a question regarding who he will throw to.
At the top of the depth chart, it is clear that George Pickens will lead the group. However, beyond that, it appears anyone's game to get the other backup roles in the wide receiver room. It seems that Van Jefferson is penciled into the second-string role. However, Jefferson has earned just 100 yards in the last two seasons.
Either another name will rise to replace him and jumble up the depth chart or the Steelers will have a clear reason to turn to the trade market or even free agency. If they don't address the depth behind Pickens, they could be setting themselves up for Pickens to be double and triple-teamed with no answers to turn to.
Will Russell Wilson and Justin Fields have a clear option for a second wide receiver this year?
If any of the above quotes are used, credit "Get Up" and H/T Sportskeeda.