Article

In a highly anticipated decision, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin officially announced that Russell Wilson will be the starting quarterback for the team at the beginning of the 2024 season. This comes after a preseason in which Wilson consistently outperformed newcomer Justin Fields.

Tomlin's decision was a difficult one, as he had to choose between the experienced nine-time Pro Bowler in Wilson and the promising young talent in Fields. However, Wilson's commanding presence on the field and strong performances throughout spring practices, training camp, and the preseason ultimately gave him the edge.

While Wilson takes on the role of starter, Tomlin also mentioned that the team is considering incorporating specific packages for Fields. The Steelers are open to using Fields' mobility as a weapon, indicating that his unique skillset will not be overlooked.

Fields had an unexpected opportunity to showcase his abilities during Wilson's calf injury at the start of camp. He made the most of his extended reps with the first-team offense, raising questions about a possible position battle. However, Fields struggled to fully capitalize on his preseason reps and faced challenges with QB-center exchanges. He only managed to lead the Steelers on one drive resulting in a touchdown.

Similarly, Wilson faced difficulties in leading scoring drives during the preseason. Yet, his impressive performance in Pittsburgh's second preseason game stood out, considering his limited practice time. Wilson solidified his QB1 status in the team's final preseason game against the Lions, orchestrating a remarkable five-play, 60-yard drive that culminated in a touchdown.

Although Wilson has secured the starting position, Fields' strong showing this summer could lead to his involvement in specific situations, especially in the red zone. He still has the opportunity to prove himself as a potential future starter for the Steelers, and his performance this season will likely play a crucial role in determining his future with the team.

As the Steelers' offense gears up for the upcoming season, Wilson aims to put past disappointments behind him while striving to regain the championship form that made him a Super Bowl winner during his time with the Seattle Seahawks.