Justin Fields 'gets real' about potentially losing starting job to Russell Wilson ahead of Steelers-Jets showdown
Rumors this week suggest Justin Fields could be benched in favor of Russell Wilson as the Pittsburgh Steelers' starting QB. Head coach Mike Tomlin stunned many when he said that the starting role was up for grabs.
Even with Wilson returning from his calf injury to normal practice, fans were expecting Justin Fields to continue under center. After all, he had led the team to a strong 3-0 start before eventually falling to 4-2. Wilson, on the other hand, had a 7-8 record with the Denver Broncos last year.
After Tomlin opened up the QB competition, Wilson is seen to have a strong chance of being the starter since he's more experienced and hasn't had the chance to prove his level with the team yet.
While addressing this, Justin Fields was very candid about why there was even a debate about the starter.
"I don't think I played good enough, if I'm being real with you.
"If I’m being real with myself, if I did play well enough, I don’t think there would be any sort of (question) who should be playing who should not."
While some fans and players have been frustrated by the Steelers' passing game, Fields has certainly made a case for himself to continue as the starter.
Cam Newton urges Steelers to give Justin Fields permanent starting role
While making his debut as an NFL analyst on ESPN's "First Take," former Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton said that the Steelers should trade Wilson away and place the QB1 crown on Fields' head.
"I know we’ve seen enough in Pittsburgh to really crown Justin Fields, and they’ve said it without really saying it. The whole morale of the team, guys are fighting for him. They’re playing for him."
So, what do with Wilson? Although the Steelers are paying peanuts for him this year because of his Broncos contract, he could still prove valuable to the team according to Newton:
"Honestly, use Russell Wilson as trade value. The fact that the Miami Dolphins haven’t reached out to Pittsburgh is beyond me, especially with the specific situation at this particular point in time."
The Steelers are set to face the New York Jets, who are coming off of massive changes to their team, on SNF. While the starter hasn't been announced yet, could the team start Wilson against Aaron Rodgers?