Fusion of usage between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields is key to Steelers' success

Russell Wilson or Justin Fields? That is the question. Honestly, the answer is both, but how should they be used by the Pittsburgh Steelers and what will this look like?

The scenario the Steelers have at quarterback is a bit uncommon in the NFL. Their current starter is in his age-36 season, but still has a strong arm and can write a masterclass on moving the football between the twenties. Unfortunately, Wilson's mobility in and out of the pocket is a shell of what it once was, and Pittburgh's red zone struggles are real since he has taken over.

Fields, on the other hand, offers the Steelers almost the polar opposite. The dual-threat quarterback can be a nightmare for defenses to game plan against on the ground, and near the goal line, Fields offers a threat to punch the ball in the end zone with his legs as well as with the pass. Sadly, the 25-year-old QB struggles with consistency and drives routinely stalling.

In Week 12 against the Browns on Thursday Night Football, the Steelers started Wilson and brought in Fields for a package of plays. But something is still off. Pittsburgh only scored three points in the first half and their 19 points in the contest by the end of the game was less than ideal against an exploitable defense.

There is an avenue to make this work, but the Steelers will be going against the grain.

Steelers can find perfect blend of Wilson and Fields for optimal offensive success

It's easy to see that neither Wilson nor Fields is a top-tier quarterback. Both signal-callers are lacking in key elements of their game that prevent them from being considered anything more than average NFL starters at this point. But collectively, they could offer the optimal package for Pittsburgh.

The New Orleans Saints have already drawn up the blueprint for this. While this isn't always a franchise team should emulate when it comes to success, offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak is utilizing the strengths of both quarterbacks Derek Carr and Taysom Hill.

The Saints recognize that Carr is the best and most consistent passer on the team while acknowledging that Hill is far too valuable of a playmaker to leave him on the bench. Carr handles the vast majority of passing downs while Hill has the threat of operating as a quarterback, running back, and receiver.

Carr is to Wilson as Hill is to Fields. This parallel is easy to spot. Now it's about finding the right balance.

The Steelers could do something extremely similar with their top two quarterbacks. Wilson will remain the guy at the helm, but Fields will come in to shake things up -- running read-option plays and true RPO with the threat of both running and passing the ball. The Steelers should also get Fields involved by lining him up at other positions.

Assuming he's willing for the betterment of the team, give Fields a few snaps from the backfield or a handful of snaps at wide receiver. At 6'3'' and 227 pounds with 4.46 speed, Fields is always going to be one of the best athletes on the field, and he's spectacular with the ball in his hands.

More often than not, the Steelers should use Fields to threaten opposing defenses in the red zone. While I do believe that Wilson needs to figure things out and must get more efficient passing the ball in the red zone before the playoffs, the threat of trying to stop Fields from punching the ball in is too good to not use if you're Pittsburgh.

This isn't guaranteed to work. However, if you can get the best traits out of both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, you may be able to combine them to essentially create one superstar quarterback. If the Steelers can find the perfect blend of usage between the two, this could maximize the potential of Pittsburgh's offense.