Former NFL QB presses Mike Tomlin to end Russell Wilson era before it starts after Week 2 preseason stumbles
Russell Wilson is the frontrunner to secure the starting job for the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, fans and analysts are mostly scratching their heads after watching Wilson's debut with the team over the weekend. However, one former NFL quarterback took it one step further, pressing Mike Tomlin to end the competition.
Speaking on an August 19 edition of "Get Up," Dan Orlovsky called for Justin Fields to be given the keys.
"Justin Fields should start for the Pittsburgh Steelers. ... it certainly was lacking for both quarterbacks and definitely for Russell Wilson. And Justin is not perfect by [any] means, but if they're both going to have this element of their game, why would I not play the young, way more dynamic athlete?" he added. [00:05:01][17.8] Getup
Starting Fields would make Wilson a Week 1 backup quarterback for the first time in his 12-year NFL career. Of course, he would still be earning a starting quarterback-like salary. That's because the Denver Broncos still owe Wilson tens of millions for a contract extension handed to him in 2022.
According to Spotrac, Wilson will earn just under $2 million from the Steelers but about $40 million in total, leaving the Broncos to make up the difference. Wilson's place on the depth chart remains less than certain, placing his status for the team's upcoming Week 2 tilt against the Broncos in doubt.
Russell Wilson stumbles in Week 2 preseason outing
At first glance, Wilson's stat line in the team's showdown against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday seems solid. He went 8/10 for 47 yards, no touchdowns, and zero interceptions. However, those who watched the game saw a quarterback who was sacked three times and failed to succeed when facing an opponent who didn't use their starting quarterback.
That said, Wilson did manage to defeat the Bills last year on Monday Night Football when he was with the Broncos. However, looking strictly at his performance in the 2024 preseason, most agree that he failed to put on a convincing show. After Wilson exited, Fields finished the game going 11/17 for 92 yards.
Either way, the Steelers may have a harder road to .500 than some fans initially believed. Will the Steelers find a rhythm in time for Week 1? Will Russell Wilson be featured in that rhythm?
If any of the above quotes are used, credit "Get Up" and H/T Sportskeeda.