The Pittsburgh Steelers have named Russell Wilson their starting quarterback, placing him ahead of Justin Fields on their initial depth chart. This decision comes despite Fields' impressive performance during training camp, where he demonstrated his potential but ultimately fell short of surpassing Wilson.
Fields, a former first-round pick of the Chicago Bears, showcased his skills throughout the camp, catching the attention of both the Steelers' coaching staff and their new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Smith expressed his admiration for Fields' athleticism, stating, "He's a dangerous football player with the ball in his hands. It allows you to get creative. Maybe you change up a little bit of a defensive game plan for him. Certainly, he adds a different element."
Wilson, however, has earned the top spot despite facing setbacks during the camp. The nine-time Pro Bowler was sidelined for the majority of the first two weeks due to a groin injury. Nevertheless, the Steelers' management remained steadfast in their decision to start Wilson, with head coach Mike Tomlin asserting, "Wilson has the 'pole position' and will continue to do so barring a significant injury or poor play from the nine-time Pro Bowler."
Wilson's recovery process showed significant progress during Tuesday's practice session. He participated in the Seven Shots drill for the first time and took 15 reps in 11-on-11 drills. His first pass attempt in the Seven Shots drill resulted in a touchdown pass to wideout George Pickens, demonstrating his ability to make impactful plays even during his recovery. Later in the practice, Wilson connected on a deep throw to Van Jefferson, further solidifying his position as the starting quarterback.
Fields' performance, while not enough to dethrone Wilson, has certainly not gone unnoticed. The coaching staff is likely to utilize his skills, particularly in the red zone, where he can pose a significant read-option threat. This strategy would allow the Steelers to leverage Fields' strengths and add versatility to their offensive plays.
With the official naming of Wilson as the starting quarterback, the Steelers are making a clear statement about their expectations and confidence in his leadership. Though Fields has shown promise, the experience and proven track record of Wilson make him the preferred choice for the upcoming season. As the team moves forward, it will be interesting to see how they integrate both quarterbacks into their game plan, maximizing the strengths of each to enhance their overall performance.
The decision marks a significant moment for the Steelers as they prepare for the season ahead. Wilson's return to form and Fields' continued development will be crucial in determining how the team navigates the challenges of the competitive landscape. Steelers fans and the broader NFL community alike will be watching closely to see how this dynamic between Wilson and Fields unfolds.