Emmanuel Acho warns Steelers: Two-QB systems rarely stop at packages

The idea of ​​using two quarterbacks to utilize each player’s unique skills may seem like a great idea, but what are the potential downsides? The Pittsburgh Steelers appear poised to test that question with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields in 2024. Wilson currently has the inside track to be the starter, but Fields has athletic talents that would be awfully difficult to let sit on the bench all year. Wilson even endorsed the idea of ​​doing so with specialized packages for its backup.

Is this Really What does Wilson want?

In the most recent episode of TALK on FS1 posted on YouTube, the panel of hosts discussed whether they liked or hated the idea of ​​using both quarterbacks, and Emmanuel Acho had strong reservations about the idea.

“I’ve never seen a quarterback, as I recall, listed as a quarterback — having specialty packages — and that stops at packages,” Acho said. “I’ve never seen a quarterback just have forfeits and that’s it.”

He then talked about Colin Kaepernick and Jalen Hurts as two examples who broke out in limited packages before winning over the fan base and increasing pressure on the starter.

“The reason I hate it is because it tempts the Steelers. The most beloved player on a football team? Backup quarterback,” Acho said. “They’re beloved because as soon as the starter sucks, ‘man, if only the backup was there.'”

The Steelers should be all too familiar with this dynamic from the past two seasons. Early people were clamoring for Kenny Pickett when Mitch Trubisky entered 2022 as the starter. Then, in 2023, a sudden plot twist happened and fans started booing Pickett from time to time and wanted to involve Mason Rudolph.

Crowds in Pittsburgh haven’t been shy about expressing their displeasure lately. This can become the topic of every press conference and serve as a distraction for the entire team.

To paint a picture of what that might look like over the course of the season, imagine a scenario in which Russell Wilson had the team at 2-2 after the first four games and he played average or slightly below average. average. If Fields is used in packages, he would only need one 45-yard touchdown run throughout this stretch, and the first sign of Wilson’s struggles could lead to fan and media pressure on the situation.

As counterexamples to the quarterbacks Acho listed, there was Taysom Hill along with Drew Brees. He made a ton of exciting plays in a quarterback role and it never turned into a hostile dynamic. But this was a future Hall of Fame quarterback who had been with the organization for a long time. He earned his stripes. And maybe that’s what saves Wilson in this situation with his potential HOF pedigree, but he’s never played a game for Pittsburgh and doesn’t have the same upside.

There was also Joe Flacco and Lamar Jackson, but it was an injury that ultimately caused the change in this matter. And the duo of Donovan McNabb and Michael Vick, but Vick became the starter the following season and was part of the reason McNabb was traded. There are probably several other examples on both sides of the debate, but more often than not it can lead to problems.

So Wilson is saying the right things about being OK with some packages for Fields, but should he Really want that?

The Steelers have every reason to want to find out what they have in Fields. He is ten years younger and therefore has the chance to provide a long-term solution. The team has very little commitment to either player, so they can afford to cross the line.