The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the playoffs in a major slump, having lost four straight games and watching the rival Baltimore Ravens take the AFC North title.
Quarterback Russell Wilson has struggled during the late-season swoon, averaging just 174.5 yards during the final four games of the season with four touchdowns and two interceptions.
Wilson has made some critical mistakes during that stretch, including a scramble in a late drive in the season finale loss to the Cincinnati Bengals where he had a chance to get out of bounds and stop the clock but instead dived forward for more yardage.
The drive ended after a sack and an incomplete pass, drawing criticism from former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger about Wilson's decision.
"In that situation, getting out of bounds is the most important thing," Roethlisberger said on his "Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger" podcast. "Get out of bounds and save the time. No one’s going to look at you and be like, 'Oh, he’s soft, he got out of bounds,' no, they’re going to look like that’s a smart play... Know when to do that and when not to."
Some believe the Steelers should make a big change for the playoffs, going with backup Justin Fields and keeping Wilson on the bench. In an appearance on FS1's "Breakfast Ball," former NFL player turned analyst Mark Schlereth said Fields gives the Steelers the best chance to pull off the upset against the Ravens in the wild-card round.
Schlereth noted that Wilson has taken 12 sacks over the last three games, a trend that can't continue in the playoffs.
"I think the best option is Justin Fields," Schlereth said, adding, "Where they're at right now not only not running the ball but taking sacks and putting yourself behind the chains is a problem."
Fields started six games this season, leading the Steelers to a 4-2 record while Wilson was recovering from a calf injury.
