Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin made a big gamble when he went lone ranger to name Russell Wilson the starting quarterback for Week 7 against the New York Jets. This decision was not easy, as Justin Fields had started the 2024 season while Wilson was recovering from a calf injury. Initially, Wilson was named the starter, but Fields' solid play and a 4-2 record led many pundits to argue against the change, suggesting that benching him could disrupt the team’s momentum. Some within the organization echoed this sentiment, believing Fields had earned the right to continue leading the offense.
Despite the pressure and uncertainty, Tomlin remained steadfast in his decision to bench Fields in favor of Wilson. His confidence in Wilson paid off handsomely, culminating in a dominant 37-15 victory over the Jets in primetime. The Steelers’ performance showcased Wilson’s abilities, and the team executed a game plan that highlighted their strengths. Tomlin’s bold choice not only revitalized the offense but also shifted the narrative surrounding the quarterback situation in Pittsburgh.
Former NFL Head Coach Ron Rivera discussed Tomlin's decision on Good Morning Football, emphasizing the brilliance of the move. Rivera praised Tomlin for not only taking the risk, but also for the way he managed the quarterback situation throughout the week and season.
"I think what he was looking for was an even bigger spark, and I also do think the way he's handled this situation from the time they got Russell [Wilson] to where they are now, I think was masterful," Rivera said on NFL Network's Good Morning Football. "They way he treated Russell with so much respect and dignity, making sure he was paying attention, being part of it, getting himself out there. I think it's humbled Russell to a degree and I think it's also had his teammates really watch how Russell's handled this and thought, 'Man, this guy really is all in.'"
Rivera's praise didn't stop there. He elaborated on just how impressive Tomlin's coaching job was in this situation. He highlighted the difficulty of managing two capable quarterbacks, noting that the decision was challenging not only for Tomlin and the team but also for Fields and Wilson.
Both quarterbacks expect to be starters in the league, yet only one could take the helm in Pittsburgh. Rivera commended Tomlin for his exceptional handling of the media during this delicate situation, emphasizing that his approach was nothing short of top-tier.
"Coach [Tomlin] has done a tremendous job because he also thought about the players and how to handle them best," Rivera said. "That, to me, is probably one of the best moves I've ever seen a head coach make, and kudos to what Coach did."
While labeling Tomlin's decision to bench Fields in favor of Wilson as the greatest coaching move in NFL history may be an exaggeration, it was undoubtedly a bold choice that deserves significant praise. Tomlin went against conventional wisdom, unsure of how Wilson would perform after dealing with rust from his injury layoff.
Steelers' Russell Wilson Shines In Pittsburgh Debut
Wilson's start was rocky, with the offense struggling to find its rhythm and fans expressing their frustration with boos ringing out in the stadium. However, he managed to navigate the adversity well, and a deep pass to George Pickens shifted the game's momentum in his favor.
By the end of the night, Wilson had thrown for 264 yards, recorded two passing touchdowns, and added a rushing touchdown, all while leading the Steelers to 37 points and protecting the football.
This decision has altered how fans perceive both the quarterback situation and Tomlin's decision-making. Many supporters have been critical of Tomlin, especially since he hasn’t won a playoff game since the 2016 season. Aware of the pressure to end that drought, Tomlin believes Wilson gives him the best chance to do so. Steelers fans are now eager to see how Wilson builds on this strong start, filled with hope for the future of the team.
