Russell Wilson to Start for Pittsburgh Steelers Despite Team’s Success with Justin Fields

Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has made the surprising decision to start veteran quarterback Russell Wilson over Justin Fields for their upcoming Sunday night game against the New York Jets. This move comes despite the team’s 4-2 record with Fields at the helm. Wilson, who has been nursing a calf injury all season, will make his Steelers debut in a crucial matchup against Aaron Rodgers and the Jets.

Tomlin’s decision was driven by his desire to evaluate both quarterbacks thoroughly before making a long-term choice. In an interview with FOX Sports‘ Jay Glazer, Tomlin admitted that he made the decision alone, stating, “I went Lone Ranger on it.” He emphasized that he wants to exhaust all options and see what Wilson can bring to the table, even if it means taking the blame if the decision doesn’t work out.

The Steelers’ offense, which ranks 26th in yards, is in need of a spark, particularly in the downfield passing game. Wilson is seen as a more natural deep-ball passer compared to Fields, who tends to rely on his rushing abilities. This could be crucial in unlocking the potential of wide receiver George Pickens, who had a strong connection with Wilson during the offseason.

Additionally, the Steelers’ red zone efficiency has been a concern, converting touchdowns at only a 50-percent rate. Wilson’s ability to push the ball downfield and spread it to more targets is expected to improve this aspect of their offense. With tougher quarterback matchups ahead, including games against Lamar Jackson‘s Ravens and Joe Burrow‘s Bengals, the Steelers need a more dynamic passing game to support their strong defense.

Wilson, known for his dual-threat capabilities and his history of success with the Seattle Seahawks, is eager to prove himself. He expressed his commitment to winning a Super Bowl with the Steelers, stating, “I came here for one reason, and that was to win a Super Bowl. … I think we have that opportunity, but we got to do the work. There’s a lot more to go”.