Russell Wilson is in for Justin Fields despite Steelers 4-2 start
The Cleveland Browns are surprisingly, given preseason expectations, 1-5 through five weeks of the 2024 NFL season. The Pittsburgh Steelers are surprisingly, given preseason expectations, 4-2 despite QB Russell Wilson missing the start of the season.
This offseason, the Steelers doubled down on trying to fix their limited quarterback play by signing Wilson to a minimum contract and making a small trade for Justin Fields. While the Ohio State Buckeye fans dreaded Fields on the Browns AFC North rival, it seemed like nothing to fear.
Then Pittsburgh entered Week 7 of the season tied for first place in the AFC North and Fields is completing 66% of his passes with five touchdowns and one interception. The mobile QB has also rushed for 231 yards and five touchdowns this year.
While Cleveland fans are wondering why HC Kevin Stefanski is sticking with QB Deshaun Watson, Steelers fans are wondering why HC Mike Tomlin is giving the quarterback job back to Russell Wilson, as first reported by NFL Network:
Sources: The #Steelers plan to give Russell Wilson first-team reps in practice this week, putting him in line to make his season debut and start Sunday night against the #Jets.
Pittsburgh is 4-2 with Justin Fields. But Wilson’s calf is fully healed and now he gets his shot. pic.twitter.com/vrhgo7LfgO
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 15, 2024
Fields has mostly run a safe, no-mistakes passing offense while letting the Steelers defense lead the way. He’s averaged less than 200 yards passing and has fumbled four times this season.
For all the negativity around Wilson’s tenure with the Denver Broncos, he threw for 26 touchdowns and just eight interceptions last year while completing over 66% of his passes.
Unlike Cleveland, Pittsburgh has taken advantage of an easy opening schedule but the second half of their season includes all of their AFC North games and matchups with the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles.
What do you think of the Steelers move back to Wilson from Fields despite the winning record?