QB Room, Week 3: Let’s kick things off with the peculiar situation regarding Russell Wilson and the Pittsburgh Steelers under Mike Tomlin.
It seems that the Pittsburgh Steelers would benefit from officially naming Justin Fields their starting quarterback, yet head coach Mike Tomlin continues to deflect this idea.
During a recent press conference, Tomlin reiterated familiar points: Russell Wilson is limited in practice, Fields is focused on starting, and no permanent decisions will be made just yet. This marks the fourth consecutive week without a designated starting quarterback, despite Fields leading the team to a 3-0 record and showcasing impressive play in a recent win over the Los Angeles Chargers.
When asked why Fields hasn’t been named the starter, Tomlin responded, “Because there’s no need.” He explained that Fields will approach practice with a starting mindset, and decisions will be made as necessary based on Wilson’s health.
As Fields continues to excel, the rationale behind the lack of commitment becomes increasingly unclear. Wilson has been inactive for three weeks, so opposing teams are only preparing for Fields. The young quarterback has been progressing, with his rushing attempts decreasing each week as he becomes more comfortable in the offense.
However, the Steelers are still recovering from a previous season defined by low-scoring games and quarterback struggles. While Fields has improved, he hasn’t yet transformed the offense into a high-scoring unit, partly due to lingering issues like an inconsistent offensive line.
Tomlin finds himself in a complicated position; he initially named Wilson the starter after a competitive training camp. Now, Fields’ success raises questions. If Wilson regains health and struggles, it could lead to turmoil within the team. Ultimately, the responsibility lies with Tomlin.
Given Fields’ continued development and winning record, the organization seems inclined to support him for now, while Tomlin navigates the ongoing quarterback discussions without making any firm declarations. While it’s not an ideal situation, it’s certainly better than last season’s challenges for the Steelers.
