Steelers Could Squander Chances With Only Remaining Russell Wilson Scenario

Just a few weeks ago, the Pittsburgh Steelers announced that Russell Wilson would open the season as the team’s starting quarterback. It was the smartest move for their new quarterback group that also features Justin Fields, who was acquired in an offseason trade from the Chicago Bears.

The roster didn’t go as planned, however. Wilson was sidelined for the start of the season with a calf injury that limited his playing time since training camp. Fields stepped into the starting role and made the competition even more difficult, leading Pittsburgh to a 2-0 start.

After the first two games of the season, the Steelers face a dilemma. Once Wilson is healthy enough to return, will he take over the offense or will Pittsburgh designate Fields as the starting quarterback? The decision is not as simple as it seems.

In theory, it should be difficult for head coach Mike Tomlin to bench Fields as the wins pile up. With all three of their division rivals struggling, the Steelers have taken an early lead in the AFC North crown. Playing with offensive chemistry could be an unnecessary risk. Still, Wilson could still reclaim the starting spot when he’s ready to make his debut.

The Steelers could choose to start Wilson because of his “better command of the offense,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported Wednesday.

“I might be in the minority here, but based on discussions I’ve had with people inside and outside the organization, I feel like Wilson’s improved control of the offense will give him another chance once he’s ready,” Fowler wrote. “His presence could open up the middle of the field, something the Steelers have largely ignored in the first two weeks. But Fields can move much better at this point and is a more dynamic playmaker.”

Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith tailored the offense to mask Fields’ flaws. Pittsburgh simplified the passing game by using half-field reads on play-action passes, designed rollouts and limiting passes to the middle of the field—an area where Fields struggled.

Those wins have eased the pressure on Wilson to get back into the fold, but that doesn’t mean Fields has been spectacular in the two low-scoring games. The Steelers cruised to an 18-10 victory over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1 and managed a 13-6 win over the Denver Broncos in Week 2, but outside linebacker T.J. Watt and kicker Chris Boswell arguably deserve more credit for Pittsburgh’s two wins than Fields.

Managing locker room dynamics is not easy during a quarterback competition. It is usually better to start the season with the veteran than the younger guy. If the offense is struggling, it is easier to bench a veteran than a younger guy, whose confidence and development could be stunted by the demotion. The Steelers did not have the luxury of starting the season with Wilson. Benching Fields could make it difficult to get him back if Wilson struggles.

Fields’ performance in the coming weeks could determine whether he remains a starter for the remainder of the season or is relegated to the bench for Wilson.