After exceptional well being alongside the offensive line during the last two seasons, the Pittsburgh Steelers have discovered themselves in a little bit of a predicament in 2024. Together with no matter configuration of starters they use in Week 5, they may have began a distinct mixture of linemen each week of the season. With Russell Wilson nearing his return from harm, might that play a job within the resolution to proceed rolling with Justin Fields?
“Yeah, it’s one thing to concentrate to as a result of that’s Russ’ power, the flexibility to get out of stress and get out of the pocket. And when he [returns], if he’s not ready to do this, then what does he appear like from that perspective,” Charlie Batch mentioned by way of DVE’s Morning Present with Randy Baumann. “That’s why we’ve got to observe that. And if that is a matter, then yeah, it’s a no brainer to maintain Justin Fields in as a result of his mobility to have the ability to get out and in. So these are issues that you just positively have to concentrate to.”
Fields improved slightly on this space in 2024, however each he and Wilson had the longest time throwing in 2023. Wilson likes to carry onto the ball and lengthen performs together with his legs. He has already reaggravated that calf harm as soon as. Is it the most effective concept to place him again in there whereas the O-line remains to be in flux, the place he’ll virtually actually be below stress greater than desired?
James Daniels was simply positioned on season-ending IR with a torn Achilles. The younger line simply bought even youthful, and Fields took a season-high 4 sacks in consequence on Sunday.
Wilson isn’t any stranger to being sacked. He has an honest likelihood of changing into the most-sacked quarterback of all time this season if he finally ends up beginning. However he has additionally by no means actually handled a calf harm like this earlier than, actually not at 35 years outdated.
Mike Tomlin was far more revealing than earlier press conferences this week. He was requested if Fields has a possibility to be the recent hand like Mason Rudolph was in 2023. He mentioned it’s attainable, however they aren’t fairly there but. After deflecting these questions for weeks, it was the primary signal of Fields being named QB1.
Will the offensive line points be the deciding issue? Most likely not, but it surely’s only one further issue to think about in a mounting pile of issues pointing to Fields because the starter. He’s rather more athletic at this level in his profession, and his mobility has been a important issue within the offense to this point. The very last thing they want is Wilson coming in to remove among the finest issues going for the group proper now.
Might issues change in a couple of weeks if Fields struggles and the road lastly begins to jell with some continuity? Certain, but it surely doesn’t appear to be the most effective concept to make a change proper now.