Fields says he didn't play well enough for Steelers not to consider changing QB

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) smiles as he runs off the field after an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders in Las Vegas, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/John Locher )

PITTSBURGH — Justin Fields appears to be at peace with the idea of being benched in favor of Russell Wilson, even though the Pittsburgh Steelers are 4-2 and tied with Baltimore for first place in the AFC North.

While the fourth-year quarterback knows he did some positive things in filling in for Wilson as he rehabs a lingering calf injury, Fields isn’t sure his performance made a compelling enough case for coach Mike Tomlin that Fields should remain the starter anyway. when Wilson returned to full health.

“I don’t think I played well enough, if I’m honest with you,” Fields said Thursday. “If I’m being honest with myself, I think if I played well enough, I don’t think there would be any kind of ‘who should play and who shouldn’t’.”

Although Tomlin declined to announce a starter for Sunday night’s visit from the New York Jets (4-2), all signs point to the 35-year-old Wilson making his Pittsburgh debut. The nine-time Pro Bowler took extended photos with the team this week, and in a telling move, Fields spoke before Thursday’s practice rather than after, as has been the norm all season.

Tomlin opened the door for Wilson’s return, noting that while Fields and the Steelers were “pretty good at times” during the opening third of the season, that “shouldn’t be confused with great.”

Fields accounted for 10 touchdowns (five passing, five rushing) and turned it over just three times (one interception, two fumbles). However, his accuracy has declined over the past two weeks and with a daunting second-half schedule looming after the team’s bye week in early November, Tomlin appears primed to see what Wilson might be able to offer.

Tomlin and first-year offensive coordinator Arthur Smith made a point of praising Fields at almost every turn, with Tomlin consistently crediting Fields’ toughness while Smith marveled at the 25-year-old’s maturity, pointing to Fields blaming himself , despite a very solid, if not always spectacular, game as a testament to Fields’ selflessness.

“I think that’s why you love working with Justin, because it’s real,” Smith said. “That’s not just a cliché that some TV guru or someone (else) told you to say.”

Fields, who the Steelers acquired in a trade with Chicago just days after signing Wilson to a one-year contract, shrugged his shoulders when asked about the emotional impact of the impending demotion.

“I’m just going to do my job,” he said. “And whether it’s playing, it’s helping the guys that are on the sideline, telling them what I see (or) helping Russ if he’s there.”

Fields and Wilson appear to have maintained a cordial relationship throughout the process. Wilson clearly applauded as Fields ran into the end zone against the Raiders, and Fields has been respectful of Wilson’s status as the player who has held the pole position in the starting job since the day they both arrived.

Still, it’s telling of the unusual position the Steelers find themselves in.

Tomlin, for example, said during his press conference on Tuesday that “statistics are often for losers. It’s a comfort when you suffer a (loss)” and has historically said that coaches and quarterbacks are only defined by their wins. Pittsburgh is off to its second straight 4-2 start.

A year ago, the offense was in pretty much the same place. Kenny Pickett was in his first full season as a starter, but there was no talk of change, even though points were valuable.

Tomlin pointed out that the variables are very different this time. Pittsburgh was committed to Pickett as the franchise quarterback at the time and his backups were Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph, neither of whom had Wilson’s resume.

Wilson and Fields, by comparison, could be free agents next spring. Letting Wilson play would at least give Tomlin an idea of what he has with both players on offense.

Asked if he was worried about Fields’ confidence being shaken if Wilson gets the nod against the Jets, Smith’s response offered a revealing answer about the somewhat strange position the Steelers find themselves in.

“He’s 4-2,” Smith said. “He’s been very productive.”

Apparently he is not productive enough to stay on the field. At least for now.