If you were upset about Mike Tomlin's decision to start Russell Wilson over Justin Fields in Week 7, you're going to be even more disgruntled when you hear Fields' comments to the media.
Since joining the team via trade in the 2024 offseason, Fields has handled himself like a professional. Coach Tomlin stated all along that Wilson was in 'pole position' of the starting quarterback job. But when Wilson dealt with a calf injury early in camp, Fields took over and didn't look back.
Fields did more than enough to keep Pittsburgh's head above water in the first six games of the season -- churning out a 4-2 record. The Steelers could have been 5-1 at this point had they not surrendered a game-winning touchdown to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football.
But despite bringing Pittsburgh success in the win column, it's back to the bench for the 25-year-old polarizing quarterback.
Fields has done everything in his power to execute Tomlin's game plan -- taking care of the football, running the ball well, and controlling the clock. Yet, he's seeing a demotion anyway. He had the right to be disgruntled about his situation, but Fields had the most professional response to the media imaginable when asked about Tomlin's decision to turn to Wilson at QB.
“I don’t think I played good enough if I’m being real with you. If I’m being real with myself, if I did play well enough, I don’t think there would be any sort of (question) who should be playing who should not.”
Justin Fields very candid today: “I don’t think I played good enough if I’m being real with you.
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) October 17, 2024
“If I’m being real with myself, if I did play well enough, I don’t think there would be any sort of (question) who should be playing who should not.” pic.twitter.com/8eW7hH75f6
Instead of passing the blame or chalking Tomlin's decision up to a difference of style, Fields owned all of the blame -- flat out stating that he didn't play good enough.
Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is in Fields' corner, stating he thinks 'Justin’s done a good job. By no means is anybody perfect around here but it’s about winning.' Smith also noted that some guys are too hard on themselves.
Accountability from Steelers players is refreshing to see
After George Pickens' disastrous media session after a Week 5 loss, it's so refreshing to see a player take ownership and responsibility for their performance instead of passing the blame on the coaches or the refs.
Fields couldn't have responded any better to the media in this instance, and most fans will agree with Smith: Fields is being too hard on himself.
Still, it's great to see him recognize where he has come up short, and it's this leadership mentality that will have Tomlin and the coaching staff eager to give him another shot if Wilson gets banged up or isn't getting the job done.
As of now, Tomlin has yet to make the quarterback decision official, but all signs are pointing to Russell Wilson being at the helm this week. It's refreshing to see Justin Fields handle himself like a champ. He's an easy guy to root for.