The Pittsburgh Steelers, under the leadership of quarterback Justin Fields, currently sit at 3-2. Initially, Fields felt like an unlikely hero when the team started 3-0. He protected the ball, used his legs judiciously, and displayed accuracy. This surprised those who felt he needed time behind Russell Wilson to develop properly after being with the Chicago Bears. However, Wilson was injured well before the season opener and hasn't played a single snap in 2024.
Concerns have been raised all season about the conservative play-calling on offense. Initially, most understood that Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith wanted to minimize opportunities for turnovers, but as Fields continued to show competency, the leash didn't seem to loosen. That conservative plan contributed to the losses against the Indianapolis Colts and the Dallas Cowboys.
In his weekly press conference, Head Coach Mike Tomlin said that Wilson will be a full participant at practice this week. They would see how it goes and if Wilson can "pull it off" in those workouts. This has created a debate over who the Steelers should start in Week 6 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
On 93.7 The Fan's Morning Show, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter Ray Fittipaldo joined the hosts and discussed the likelihood that Wilson would start in Week 6. Co-host Adam Crowley mentioned that Wilson is expected to dress as the backup quarterback against Vegas instead of being the emergency quarterback. He also noted that Fields has already been on a short leash this season and asked Fittipaldo how long it will be in this game.
"I would say pretty short. 13 points in the first quarters of the first five games this season. Last week, they were 28th in first quarter scoring. I would imagine now they are somewhere between 29th and last. It's been a big problem for this football team. I know it's not all Justin Fields' fault, but you can't switch out all five offensive linemen. You can't go out and sign a receiver to help right now. I think the logical thing to do would be to go to Russell Wilson if Justin does struggle early in this football game. Justin's gonna get a fair shot; he's got a chance to go out there and make his sixth consecutive start, but I do think with Russell being fully cleared now, we're at the point that if Justin does struggle, this change could happen at any time."
Some analysts think Fields has a unique talent; it is impossible to deny his athleticism and feel that Wilson doesn't offer anything that tops that. In addition, many believe that Fields could be the quarterback of the future in Pittsburgh, and if that is Tomlin's plan, then they need to allow him to experience bumps and bruises and grow. Fields already had his confidence reduced by how things went in Chicago, and the Steelers have been building him up. However, others believe that Wilson's maturity and success in the league trump what Fields has displayed.
Steelers' Justin Fields Needs Someone To Catch The Ball
Fittipaldo mentioned that the Steelers' offensive struggles are not solely Fields' fault. Some analysts have said that it wouldn't matter who the Steelers put under center without someone to catch the ball. Receiver George Pickens has been on the hot seat for lack of effort, wearing an inappropriate message on his EyeBlack and grabbing a Cowboys defender by the helmet.
Tomlin substantially reduced the number of snaps that Pickens played against the Cowboys. During the that game, running back Najee Harris led the team in receiving yards, while Pickens and Van Jefferson shared the same stat line with three catches for 26 yards. While many fans are angry at the defense for their failure to stop Dallas on their game-winning drive, they should also be directing some anger toward the decision not to acquire a second elite receiver. The offense cannot beat man coverage routinely with just Pickens. Since they couldn't move the ball, the offense couldn't do anything with the three turnovers the defense got. With Dallas winning the time of possession battle, the Steelers' defense wore down.
