The Pittsburgh Steelers don’t need a dynamic quarterback to win games. If there’s anything we’ve learned over the last three years of Mike Tomlin’s squad, it’s that.
Despite trotting out the ghost of Ben Roethlisberger, Mason Rudolph, Kenny Pickett and Mitchell Trubisky in that time, the Steelers made two playoff appearances in that span and didn’t have a single losing season. They tend to figure things out.
That’s why Justin Fields should remain the team’s starting quarterback after winning his debut against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday in place of Russell Wilson, who was ruled out with a calf injury. Fields wasn’t particularly impressive (17-of-23 passing, 156 yards), but he was good enough for an 18-10 win. He didn’t turn the ball over and he moved the chains when it mattered most.
Considering the alternative is a 35-year-old with a lower ceiling, Pittsburgh should stick with Fields when they visit the Denver Broncos in Week 2 — and beyond. Or at least until Fields shows he can’t handle the job.
“I’m definitely gassed to be a Pittsburgh Steeler.”
Pam Oliver is with @steelers QB Justin Fields after getting the Week 1 start pic.twitter.com/3YDg9KWNnJ
— NFL on FOX Podcast (@NFLonFOXPod) September 8, 2024
The Steelers named Wilson their starting QB at the conclusion of the preseason, though he didn’t do much to stand apart from Fields. He simply started in the pole position and Fields didn’t do enough to justify a switch.
However, that decision always seemed to stem from a feeling that Wilson had a higher floor than the 25-year-old Fields. That he gave Pittsburgh a better chance to win now. But how true is that?
Fields is now 5-2 in his last seven games dating back to last season. His latest win was as much about his legs (14 carries, 57 yards) as his arm — a dynamic Wilson no longer provides.
Make no mistake about it, the Steelers’ defense is the primary reason they beat a Falcons team favored to win the NFC South. But if Fields can continue to develop as a passer while not sabotaging the efforts of the defense, why wouldn’t Pittsburgh want to stick with that?
Additionally, I can’t imagine it’d be easy for the Steelers’ coaching staff to convince the team it’s in their best interest to bench the player who had a hand in their 1-0 start. So don’t.
