The Pittsburgh Steelers welcomed in Russell Wilson and Justin Fields into their quarterback room in the 2024 offseason. Wilson was named the starter, but a calf injury kept him sidelined for the first six weeks of the season. In his absence, Fields stepped up admirably, guiding the Steelers to a solid 4-2 record and putting up 10 total touchdowns.
Despite Fields' strong performance, Head Coach Mike Tomlin made the controversial choice to reinstate Wilson as the starter. It was a bold decision, but after two games, it’s beginning to look like a wise move. Wilson has led the offense with back-to-back standout performances, giving the team an explosive edge with him at the helm.
While Wilson has the Steelers playing at a new level, not everyone is sold. Former league MVP Cam Newton recently voiced these concerns on his 4th & 1 Podcast, warning Steelers fans not to get carried away with Wilson’s success just yet.
Newton, known for his unfiltered takes, suggested that while Wilson has the talent to elevate the Steelers’ offense, maintaining this level of play will be the true test. His cautionary words remind fans that early success doesn’t guarantee long-term results, especially with a quarterback adapting to a new team.
"I'm still skeptical," Newton said. "I'm not saying Russell Wilson has not been playing good football. He's just been playing good football versus inadequate teams. I'm not giving excuses."
Newton raises a valid point, but it's not entirely accurate. In sports, it's easy to be a prisoner of the moment—one week a player is criticized, and the next, they’re praised. This cycle is typical in sports media, so his caution isn’t off base.
However, saying the Steelers were "supposed" to win both games isn’t true. They were favorites against the New York Giants, but they were underdogs at home against the New York Jets, whom they defeated 37-15. Newton went on to explain why he's still not sold on Wilson just yet.
"All I'm saying is you better win the games that you're supposed to win," Newton said. "Russell Wilson and the Pittsburgh Steelers were supposed to win these games. You ain't showing me nothing any different than what Justin Fields could've done."
Steelers Will Have A Brutal Choice To Make At QB After The 2024 Season
The debate between Fields and Wilson is sure to continue. After the 2024 season, the Steelers will need to decide which quarterback to keep as their starter. With both quarterbacks due for significant pay increases, it doesn’t make sense to retain one on a hefty contract just to sit on the bench.
Fields brings excitement as the younger, more dynamic option, with the potential to be the face of the franchise for the next decade. Wilson, who turns 36 in November, likely has only two or three seasons left in him.
It’ll be fascinating to see which path the Steelers choose. For now, though, Wilson has been excellent through two games, throwing for 542 yards, passing for three touchdowns, and adding a rushing touchdown. The offense has opened up, and the Steelers are beginning to look like legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
Still, not everyone is sold on Wilson. He has a lot left to prove, and how he performs against the AFC North will be the real test in his redemption story with the Steelers.
