Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin boldly decided to sit quarterback Justin Fields after he took the team to 4-2 in favor of Russell Wilson. Tomlin originally gave Wilson "pole position" to be the starter in Pittsburgh, but said he would allow Fields the opportunity to compete. When Wilson was hurt before the season even got off the ground, Fields got more than a chance to compete and did better than most expected. However, now that Wilson has started two games, most doubters are beginning to understand why Tomlin felt so strongly about allowing the former Super Bowl winner to take over.
Even Colin Cowherd, a notorious Tomlin critic, admitted he was wrong, saying he wasn't as "tone-deaf" to the offense as he believed he was. The offense just looks different under Wilson. While Fields did exactly what he was likely asked to do -- protect the football and win games -- he couldn't move the ball through the air consistently, and defenses were catching on.
Former Steelers offensive lineman and current analyst, Craig Wolfley recently spoke with Randy Baumann and the DVE Morning Show. They discussed how well Wilson did, stepping in to lead the team. Wolfley said the key for this tough second half of the season is to get everyone back and healthy, like center Zach Frazier. However, no matter how well they might have been playing before, Russ has taken the offense to the next level.
"The catalyst right now is Russ, let's face it," said Wolfley. "He brought the long ball back. What you're seeing is an experienced, Pro Bowl, Super Bowl, Future Hall of Fame caliber guy running an offense, and he's starting to create those opportunities for guys that have been averaging eight, nine yards a catch to get to 15 to get to 18. Look at Calvin Austin, 18.3, that's his average catch per reception. You're upping the ante for these guys because of your ability to deliver the ball."
Wolfley quickly added that this isn't a knock against Fields; he believes he is a talented player with a future in the NFL. Fields contributed with his legs; some feared the run game would stall. However, running back Najee Harris is slowly on the way to the best season of his career. He picked up over 100 yards on the ground in Wilson's first two starts, something he only did once during the six games Fields started.
The entire offense looks more crisp and efficient. They have sustained drives, allowing the defense time to recover and keeping them sharper. The passing game went from nearly non-existent to being a weapon. Wilson has been able to get previously ignored receivers, such as Van Jefferson, involved in the game and even scoring. If Wilson continues on this path, the Steelers could make a legitimate playoff push in a few months.
Steelers' Najee Harris Is Going To Be Thanking Russell Wilson
Harris' future is uncertain, as the Steelers declined the former first-round pick's fifth-year option during the 2024 offseason. The reported excuse was that the franchise wanted to see how he performed in the new Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith's scheme before making a decision.
According to running backs coach Eddie Faulkner, Harris is "on a mission" regarding his career. If they had extended his contract, it would have cost them only roughly $6.7 million for 2025. Those who believe Harris is a good fit for the offense think that is a reasonable price for a back who has proven durable. With Wilson at quarterback, Harris averaged 6.0 yards per carry against the New York Giants in Week 8.
The entire NFL has devalued the running back position, but most analysts agree that if Harris continues to perform this well, he will have teams extending him offers that exceed what the Steelers could have gotten him for. Many also believe there is a strong possibility that Harris will not want to take a team-friendly deal to stay with a franchise that didn't want him.
