Justin Fields to be Russell Wilsons backup but Mike Tomlin promises considerable game time
Justin Fields did his best to convince Mike Tomlin that he could be the starter for the Pittsburgh Steelers. But Tomlin eventually named veteran Russell Wilson the starter for the Steelers’ week 1 game against the Atlanta Falcons.
I try to not think about stuff that I can't control, I try to just think about the stuff that I can control.Justin Fields said last week.
The final decisions remain always with the head coach and the coaching staff, who evaluated both quarterbacks and decided it was best to start with Wilson. He has the necessary experience to lead the team, but that doesn’t mean Fields will not feature at all.
It’s actually the opposite. Following the 53-man roster reshuffle on Wednesday, coach Tomlin spoke with the media and shed light on his thoughts about the first few months of watching Fields train.
My friend Raheem Morris [Falcons head coach] better be ready for a Justin Fields package... there's too much talent to be sitting around watching.Mike Tomlin said as reported by Rich Eisen.
"my friend Raheem Morris better be ready for a Justin Fields package… there's too much talent to be sitting around watching."#HereWeGo @CoachTomlin on if Fields will see any action in Week 1.#NFL #PITvsATL pic.twitter.com/aHqYXAry81
— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) August 28, 2024According to him, the former Bears under center is a ‘freaky athlete’ and the other teams should be wary of him.
Both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields will prove to be crucial for the Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers brought in Russell Wilson early on in the offseason, and even though he did not practice much due to a sore calf, the 36-year-old learned the playbook, understanding Tomlin’s philosophy and style of play. Fields joined after him, but he took more reps over the 9-time Pro Bowler during the preseason friendlies.
Fields completed 19 of 27 attempts for 199 yards and led one scoring drive, while Wilson completed 10 of 12 attempts for 73 yards and led a scoring drive, as per ESPN.
Regardless, Wilson isn’t the long-term solution, but Fields is. The 25-year-old is the safety net that the Steelers can fall on to if Wilson makes mistakes during games. They can always use his dynamic dual-threat ability, which made him famous in college as a runner-up in the Heisman watch.
Fields already has over 6,500 passing and 2000 rushing yards in the NFL, along with 54 combined touchdowns in three seasons. The best way to use Fields’ skillset will be during 3rd and 4th downs when the Steelers need to run the ball to keep the drive alive or near the endzone.
Just getting to know Justin’s capabilities, we like it… Make no mistake, his unique talent as it pertains to mobility is something we’re open to weaponizing.Mike Tomlin said.
#Steelers HC Mike Tomlin says everything is “on the table” for using QB Justin Fields in package football.
“Just getting to know Justin’s capabilities, we like it. … Make no mistake, his unique talent as it pertains to mobility is something we’re open to weaponizing.” pic.twitter.com/RBBizeZSrC
— Aaron Becker (@Aaron_M_Becker) August 28, 2024Wilson is a great pocket passer, but he never relies too much on his feet, unlike Fields, which is a massive bonus. The Falcons and every other team in the AFC should keep an eye out for the Steelers’ unique quarterback situation.
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