The Pittsburgh Steelers won decisively on the road during Week 6 over the Las Vegas Raiders. Head Coach Mike Tomlin's most debated topic heading into the game was whether to start Russell Wilson or Justin Fields, and if he started Fields, how much leash he should give him. However, according to one group of analysts, the win over the Raiders only cemented the decision.
Wilson was Tomlin's original starter, but he suffered an injury, allowing Fields to step into that role. Since the season started, Fields has helped the Steelers get to 4-2 and tied with the Baltimore Ravens to lead the AFC North. Fields has been far from perfect, but he has protected the ball, which appeared to be the chief concern of the Chicago Bears.
The hosts of the ESPN's Get Up rarely agree on anything, but that wasn't the case on Monday morning following the Steelers' win in Vegas. Damien Woody said he cannot understand why anyone still calls for Wilson to start. Fields might not have lit the world on fire, but it was impressive, given what he had to work with.
"Have people watched the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line," asked Woody. "They are atrocious. Anyone calling for Russell Wilson to be the quarterback behind that line would be a big mistake. This kid has played consistent football, he's played pretty well. They're not going to be a juggernaut. That offensive line is pathetic."
Dan Orlovsky agreed with Woody, saying that thanks to Fields, the Steelers could pick up first downs, move the offense down the field, and score enough points to win. He calls what Fields can get with his legs "hidden yardage " and said the Black and Gold had over 100 yards of it against the Raiders.
"Justin Fields covered up for that offensive line," said Orlovsky. "You put Russell back there, this team's going to struggle to win. He turns a seven-yard loss into a 14-yard gain, that's 21 yards of hidden yardage. I call that hidden yardage, where you take what would be a loss, and not only do you get rid of the loss [you] turn it into positive 110 yards. That is an enormous impact."
The Steelers have invested heavily in their offensive line over the past few seasons, including two first-round draft picks. However, injuries to rookie Troy Fautanu and veteran James Daniels have set them back. Broderick Jones is in his second year and has struggled this season, as the entire line seems unbalanced.
Mike Greenberg was blown away by Fields' impact, especially with no offensive line or outside weapons. Former NFL Head Coach Rex Ryan agreed, noting that Najee Harris was the offense's biggest weapon besides Fields. He also said he knows exactly what Tomlin is thinking about the quarterback situation.
"He's going to say the same thing he always says because that's Mike Tomlin, but he knows who his quarterback is," said Ryan. "This was the best trade in years. What happens when they get those starting linemen back? This kid all of a sudden has a chance to really play."
This offensive line needs to find its footing if the Steelers want to finally win a playoff game at the end of the 2024 season. Both Fautanu and Daniels are out for the entire 2024 regular season, so the Steelers need to find a path forward without them.
Steelers' Cordarrelle Patterson Shooting His Shot
The Steelers' offense lacks weapons, and the players know it. Recently, hybrid running back/wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson took to social media to try to recruit Raiders receiver, Davante Adams.
Over the past several months, Adams and a handful of other high-profile receivers have been linked to the Steel City. After the big win, Patterson again took to X to suggest that Adams must be ready now.
Adams, who did not play in the loss to Pittsburgh, is reportedly considering several teams, but none have yet been willing to meet the asking price.
