Pittsburgh Steelers fans are still waiting patiently to determine if the new quarterback in town is worth all of the hoopla. Of course, with that new quarterback being Aaron Rodgers, who has earned the right to sit out of preseason action, confidence is plenty high in the Steel City for things to work out positively.
After all, Rodgers can’t be worse than the guys who used to fight for the job, right? Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, though more promising than the likes of Mitchell Trubisky and Kenny Pickett, couldn’t get the job done in Pittsburgh. Now they’re both on their third teams in as many seasons, hoping for stability with the New York franchises.
While both the Jets and Giants have had their issues at quarterback for years (and years), Wilson and Fields are hedging their bets that they can revive their careers at MetLife Stadium. The former teammates squared off in the Jets-Giants annual preseason contest, and the results for each passer don’t inspire confidence in either fan base that either former Steeler is the answer.
Pittsburgh Steelers fans already feeling vindicated at QB
Of course, of the two, Wilson performed better, just like he did in Pittsburgh. But the box score skews the perception as the 13-year vet completed four of his seven passes for 108 yards and an interception with 80 of those yards coming on one play - a patented moon ball to Notre Dame rookie Beaux Collins. While every play counts, take that one splash play away, and Wilson has just 28 yards and a pick on six pass attempts.
Instead, Jaxson Dart stole the show for a second-straight week. He went 14/16 for 137 yards and a score. Wilson may start the year for the G-Men, but he may lose his starting role even faster than he took it from Fields in 2024 if Dart keeps it up.
Speaking of Fields, the Jets' unquestioned starter translated a rough joint practice against the Giants into a terrible showing in the preseason contest. Fields completed just one of his five passes for four yards.
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Fields hasn’t shown much progression as a passer, which will likely be his downfall with Gang Green by season’s end. The Jets are sure to pound the rock more often than not with Braelon Allen, Breece Hall and Fields, but if that leaves them in tight games, Fields will be put in a spot to win games late, which doesn’t appear to be a recipe for success.
The Steelers will get to face Fields to open the season, but Wilson evades Pittsburgh this year. Still, with the preseason nearly finished, Steelers fans already feel better with their quarterback situation without even seeing Rodgers in live action yet. The future Hall of Famer is certainly poised to give Pittsburgh more than whatever those two former Steeler QBs can offer the New York franchises.