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Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has taken a bold and solitary stance, opting to start Russell Wilson in their game against the Jets, a decision that he acknowledges could bring significant scrutiny if it fails. Fox Sports' Jay Glazer revealed in a pregame show that Tomlin went against the internal consensus by benching Justin Fields in favor of Wilson, who has been recovering from a calf injury earlier this season. Despite Pittsburgh's solid 4-2 record, Tomlin is prepared to bear the responsibility should his gamble not pay off.

In a conversation with Glazer, Tomlin candidly admitted the unconventional nature of his choice but stood firm on his reasoning. "If it doesn't work out, I'll take the heat. I'll shoulder the blame no problem," Tomlin said, highlighting his willingness to face any fallout. On Friday, when probed about his starting quarterback for Sunday's game, Tomlin kept his cards close, saying the decision would be kept "in-house." However, wide receiver George Pickens inadvertently tipped off Tomlin's strategy by mentioning his additional practice time with Wilson, indicating that this would be Wilson's first start.

Wilson, who joined the Steelers in the off-season following his release from the Broncos, initially secured the starting role in training camp. Yet, a calf injury sidelined him for the first five games, making his recent reactivation as Fields' backup all the more notable. Tomlin's decision to start Wilson stems from his desire to evaluate all options before committing to a long-term strategy. "I haven’t seen the other one. I want to see at least what I have from him, exhaust all options and then make a decision down the stretch," Tomlin stated, emphasizing his broader aim of winning a world title rather than just securing immediate victories.

Justin Fields, while not dazzling with his statistics, maintained a steady performance that contributed to the Steelers' winning record. Fields logged 1,106 passing yards with five touchdowns and just one interception, leading the team with a reliable if not spectacular offensive play. It wasn't until Week 6, in their victory over the Raiders, that the Steelers managed to exceed 20 points in a game, an effort buoyed by Fields' two rushing touchdowns and another from running back Najee Harris.

Looking ahead, the Steelers have challenging matchups lined up, facing the Giants next Monday, followed by games against the Commanders and the Ravens. As they remain tied with the Ravens for the best record in the AFC North, the freshly reignited quarterback competition is sure to be a central narrative in these upcoming contests. Tomlin's decision symbolizes a strategic pivot, driven by his commitment to thoroughly evaluate his roster in pursuit of the ultimate goal: a world championship.