Steelers Make QB Change; Russell Wilson to Start vs. Jets
I mentioned in my visceral reaction to the Steelers loss vs. the Cowboys that the National Media was going to use Russell Wilson’s health as a talking point because of the fact that the Steelers had, at that point, lost two games in a row. At the time, I was fairly dismissive of that, because I thought Justin Fields was doing enough to win games, and a change seemed so unnecessary; I still feel that way…especially coming off of a convincing win in Las Vegas. That’s not to say the Raiders are good, but Fields did enough with his legs to sustain drives and get us an easy win. However, earlier today Ian Rapoport confirmed the rumblings that Russell Wilson will be starting against the Jets on Sunday Night Football in Pittsburgh. Rap Sheet added that Justin Fields will play as well, presumably in specialty packages for him to use his legs.
By the time Ian Rapoport got hold of the confirmation this morning, it was hardly a surprise that the Steelers are turning to Russ, but when the rumblings began, earlier this week, that he would be starting, it was a shock to me. I’m of the mindset that the team is 4-2, and Justin Fields’ legs make up for the shortcomings of the team's weakest unit…the offensive line. With that being said, he missed throws against Dallas and in Las Vegas that he should’ve made. He missed reads against Dallas and in Las Vegas that he should’ve made. If it wasn’t for some of the things he was able to do with his legs, especially on third down and in the red zone, we would be having a completely different conversation about the quarterback position, and it would be a landslide of support for Russell Wilson. I suppose, in the minds of the coaching staff, Russell Wilson will be more apt to make the aforementioned throws that Justin Fields has been missing, which could provide a spark to get our offense REALLY moving. I’m just not convinced that Russell Wilson’s arm is going to make up for a bad offensive line and few consistent pass catchers.
A quarterback change at this juncture, I feel, isn’t going to change the trajectory of this team. What this team needs is for guys to get healthy along the offensive line and a bonafide number two WR to play opposite of Pickens. Until that happens, Justin Fields’ ability to turn ‘should’ve-would’ve-could’ve’ sacks into big plays with his legs has kept this team afloat, offensively. Even when he isn’t having his best day throwing the ball, he’s able to sustain drives with the runs and the ad-lib..kinda broken play stuff that he’s capable of making happen. Notice I keep saying: “sustain drives”. I’m worried that if we try too hard to get the pass game going, our time of possession is going to dwindle. Russell Wilson isn’t going to be able to consistently work in the pocket behind this offensive line, either. With that being said, we have seen glimpses of some nice things to create deep ball opportunities by Arthur Smith with Justin Fields at the helm; things like changing the launch point for the QB and some bootleg play-action stuff. I’m hoping that, since we’re switching to a vet that is known for taking care of the football, we’ll get to open this playbook the hell up and let it rip. It all comes down to whether we are capable of executing those plays behind this offensive line.
I’m doing my best to not let my emotions be overtaken because of how well Justin Fields has handled this situation to this point. It’s just hard to not root for that kid. And, I have a feeling that his story with us remains unwritten; even if Russell Wilson comes out firing on all cylinders. I’m a fan of the logo first and the players in the helmet second. So, let’s fuckin ride.
At the end of the day, I think the decision to start Russ can be explained as Mike Tomlin keeping a promise he made to get Russ to sign with us for so cheap. That is not confirmed, I’m just speculating. I’m a little upset about it and I think it’s a mistake, but worst case scenario we reassess the situation in two weeks during our bye week. And, even though the team is 4-2, we still have no idea what we have in Russell Wilson. Time to find out. Am I the only one that has anxiety about this?
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