In a surprising move, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin announced that veteran quarterback Russell Wilson would start over Justin Fields for Sunday night’s matchup against the New York Jets.
Despite Fields leading the Steelers to a solid 4-2 record, Tomlin expressed his desire to see what the seasoned Wilson could bring to the offense. His decision, however, came under heavy scrutiny after a lackluster first-half performance from the 35-year-old quarterback.
The first half of the game made Tomlin’s decision look questionable, if not foolish. Russell Wilson finished with a modest 145 passing yards, but the Steelers' offense struggled mightily to put points on the board.
A late touchdown pass to George Pickens gave Pittsburgh the first touchdown of the night. By halftime, Pittsburgh managed 13 points, but Wilson’s immobility played a major role in the offense’s stagnation. He was sacked and pressured, starkly revealing the limitations of his aging legs.
Wilson’s inability to escape pressure consistently put the offensive line in challenging positions, leading to breakdowns in protection and missed opportunities.
Steelers' offense lacked significant improvements with Russell Wilson as QB1
In contrast, Justin Fields had been the spark behind Pittsburgh’s early-season success. His ability to extend plays with his legs kept defenses off balance, and his dual-threat capabilities were a vital component of the Steelers’ offensive strategy.
Fields’ 10 total touchdowns over the first six games were instrumental in carrying offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s unit, and his knack for gaining crucial yards on the ground added an extra dimension to Pittsburgh’s attack.
Without Fields under center, the Steelers appeared lost, struggling to find any rhythm offensively. His mobility often masked issues along the offensive line, giving the Steelers’ playmakers more time to get open and make big plays. By contrast, Wilson’s pocket presence and reliance on traditional passing limited the offense’s ability to adapt to pressure situations.
Heading into halftime, the decision to bench Fields in favor of Wilson appeared to be a mistake. While Wilson’s leadership and experience are undeniable, the Steelers’ offense lacked the dynamic explosiveness it had thrived on earlier in the season.
As the second half loomed, Pittsburgh faced a critical question: How would they adjust to avoid falling further behind? Tomlin and the Steelers coaching staff must reevaluate their approach if they hope to find consistent success this season. Wilson may be a veteran, but Pittsburgh’s future seems more secure with Fields.