Between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, the Pittsburgh Steelers have a choice to make. Not less than that’s what it would seem like from the surface, and to be honest, Mike Tomlin fueled that fireplace. He might very properly know precisely what his intentions are upfront, however he principally mentioned, “keep tuned”. If former NFL WR Steve Smith ran the station, although, he is aware of which path he would go.
“I’m going Justin Fields”, Smith mentioned on NFL GameDay final evening. “The Russell Wilson that we’re holding on hope to, he went to the shop, bought cigarettes, and has not come again. Backside line. He has not come again. And in case you are gonna imagine that Russell Wilson is that man, he’s not”.
That’s a slightly colourful method of claiming Russell Wilson isn’t the identical participant he as soon as was. However Justin Fields has by no means proven himself to be the participant the Bears thought they have been drafting, both. And he didn’t seem like that hypothetical participant yesterday in his debut with the Steelers, however Smith believes he has sufficient for the Steelers’ offense.
“Arthur Smith’s offense has by no means had a top-five quarterback. His offense is used to having guys that may transfer round. Marcus Mariota, a few of these guys. Justin Fields offers them a possibility”, he mentioned, suggesting Wilson doesn’t have that essentially mobility.
He could also be proper on that entrance by default simply due to the present scenario. Russell Wilson missed the opener due to his calf harm, which allowed Justin Fields loads of first-team coaching camp reps. Who’s to say that he will probably be able to play subsequent week?
Now, Smith was not advocating for Fields over Wilson as a result of he’s an enormous believer in Fields. He is aware of Fields didn’t lead the Steelers to factors Sunday in Atlanta, however he doesn’t suppose Wilson will, both. He does know we’ve much more tape on Wilson through the years, and he hasn’t been successful.
The Steelers named Russell Wilson their starter and captain, however calf tightness pressured Justin Fields to begin the Steelers’ opener. He managed to win, albeit with out an offensive landing, doing simply sufficient. Fields went 17-for-23 passing for 156 yards, speeding for 57 as Wilson watched carefully from the sidelines.
Smith concedes that the Steelers will most likely begin Russell Wilson over Justin Fields subsequent week, if wholesome. However he doesn’t suppose that can enhance their capability to attain. “Completely not”, he mentioned. In fact, the Steelers are attempting to construct a construction round their quarterbacks that doesn’t require that. If they’ll win with protection and ball management and time of possession, that’s sufficient.
Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are at very totally different phases of their careers but are probably in the identical place. That’s the Final Likelihood Saloon. If both Wilson or Fields fail in Pittsburgh, it could be their final credible shot at a beginning job. Each of them know that, however solely one in all them can begin. Steve Smith thinks it ought to be Fields as a result of at the least he has a possible future. Russell Wilson is outwardly the Steelers’ deadbeat dad.
