Russell Wilson or Justin Fields? Mike Tomlin sets concrete timeline on Steelers QB1 decision
Russell Wilson and the Pittsburgh Steelers played their last preseason game today. They lost 24-17 against the Detroit Lions and failed to even win a single game during the entire preseason.
The Steelers will face the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1, but so far, head coach Mike Tomlin has not made a decision yet regarding the team's starting quarterback. Both Justin Fields and Wilson are competing for the starting job, and Tomlin recently gave an update on the situation.
As per Armando Salguero, Tomlin will decide on the starting quarterback at the end of the next week. It will give the team one full week to prepare for their season opener against the Falcons.
Wilson and Fields didn't play much in today's preseason game against the Lions. The former Bears quarterback was sacked twice but completed 3/4 passes for 40 yards. Wilson threw only two passes, completing both for 26 yards.
Based on the preseason, neither of the quarterbacks has played significantly better than the other one. As a result, the decision for Tomlin won't be easy.
Russell Wilson or Justin Fields? Who should the Steelers start in Week 1?
Given his age, Justin Fields is a slightly better option than Russell Wilson. However, if Fields starts and struggles, benching him could cause permanent damage to the Ohio State product's confidence.
Due to this, the Steelers should go with Russell Wilson as their starting quarterback in Week 1. It will give Fields more time to develop and learn under a quarterback who has had a successful career in the league.
Fields could be the long-term solution for the Steelers, but the franchise should not rush him onto the field. If Wilson doesn't play well, then the former Bears quarterback should be given an opportunity.
Hopefully, the Steelers will have good quarterback play this season, as they have a roster capable of making a deep run into the playoffs. It's the last opportunity for Wilson to save his NFL career, and he should make the most of it.
For Fields, this year he should learn the system, be a good teammate, and do well in practice. This could help him earn a contract with the Steelers or another team, even if he doesn't get to play this year.