Pittsburgh Steelers Know Right Answer With QB Decision

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers are backed into a corner with their quarterback situation, and while they technically have two choices to choose from, Russell Wilson “tension” and Week 1 just two days away, there’s only one answer.

When Wilson was sidelined on the Steelers’ second day of practice, the decision should have been clear: This is Justin Fields’ Week 1 team. The Atlanta Falcons are no picnic, and with a new offensive leader, plenty of questions about the offensive line and receiver space, and already a few major injuries, there’s no room for error. Pittsburgh doesn’t have the luxury of having 70 percent of its starting quarterback. What they do have, however, is the advantage of potentially having the best backup quarterback in the NFL.

In Arthur Smith’s offense, the QB position is very mobile. Wilson will need to move around the pocket and find spaces with his legs. Due to a calf injury that has been bothering him for over a month, Wilson can’t do those things, and the Steelers shouldn’t count on him to do that.

Fields can.

The Steelers didn’t want to turn to Fields this season. They hoped and believed Wilson would lead them to the promised land, giving them a prime starting spot with a veteran quarterback and an opportunity to make a playoff run.

Instead, the NFL cards were dealt and, like every team, every season, they didn’t get their ideal situation.

Now they have a decision to make. And if Wilson can’t get Smith’s offense working at its best, it’ll be time to turn to Fields. It’s not a bad move, and it could open a lot of doors for the Steelers, not just now, but down the road.

There’s no need to think about this. Once Wilson realized he wasn’t 100%, the Steelers’ answer became obvious. At least for Week 1, it’s time to turn to Fields and give the offense the best chance to succeed, without limiting what it can do because of an injury.

With the Steelers’ schedule loaded in the second half of the season with teams like the Chiefs, Eagles and their entire divisional team, there’s no room for mistakes. Taking a risk on an injured quarterback isn’t why Pittsburgh made the Fields move. Now is not the time to revisit that decision.

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