NFL fans were quick to social media to have fun and make jokes about the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback situation. Now we finally know that Russell Wilson will indeed be the starting quarterback for the team, although they have not ruled out playing Justin Fields numerous times throughout the game.
That should make for quite an entertainment product for the fans, but that doesn’t sound too smart from an X’s and O’s perspective. Either way, Russell has gotten the nod over Fields to be the team’s starter in week 1.
Pittsburgh Steelers Announce Strange Quarterback Situation
Now it is official, as reported by Gridiron Heroics:
They (Pittsburgh Steelers) traded for Justin Fields and signed Russell Wilson during the offseason to bolster the team and coach Mike Tomlin has officially come to a decision about who will be under center in Week 1 on the road against the Atlanta Falcons.
Jay Glazer of FOX NFL Sunday is reporting that the veteran Russell Wilson has been officially named the starting quarterback and that Justin Fields will be slotted as the backup.
Mike Tomlin explains his decision to officially name Russell Wilson QB 1 pic.twitter.com/nud25VZGSj
— Jenna Harner (@JennaHarner11) August 28, 2024
However, Tomlin stressed how difficult this decision was, and how Fields brings an entirely different offensive skillset to the team:
“It was a difficult decision, but not difficult in a negative way, to be quite honest with you. It was difficult in a positive way. The decision was difficult because of what they’re capable of doing. Decision was difficult because of how they have conducted themselves as opposed to the things that they fall short in in terms of capabilities or negative conduct.
Tomlin went on to say that there could be many different situations where we can still see Fields in action in week 1 even though Wilson is the starter. He noted how Fields can bring things to the table that can shake up what the opposing team’s defense is trying to do:
“That’s certainly on the table, but I’m not going to get into many details regarding that or things of that nature because it doesn’t help us from a competitive-advantage standpoint,” Tomlin said.
“But make no mistake, his talent — his unique talent as it pertains to mobility — is something that we’re open to weaponizing, although I have acknowledged that Russ is QB1.”
This may also be saying that if Wilson does not perform, we could see Fields be implemented more and more as the season goes along.
NFL Fans React To Russell Wilson As Starter
NFL fans were very quick to react to the announcement. This was something that all of the fans expected to happen, but fans are also just confused why the Steelers have dealt with this quarterback room in the way they did:
“Russell Wilson is the starting QB. I hope none of you feel ‘bamboozled’ by this news,” one tweet read.
“I’m shocked the Steelers went with Russell Wilson as the starter even though they specifically got him in free agency to be the starter,” another tweet read.
“The year is 2024 and a professional football organization is voluntarily trotting out Russell Wilson as its starting Quarterback. This is certainly a choice,” another tweet read.
“The Steelers named Russell Wilson their starting quarterback over Justin Fields at right about the same time the Cubs starting blasting the Pirates. Coincidence? I think not,” another tweet read.
When it comes to this quarterback situation, there are many ways that it could work out very well for them and their offense. There are also many ways that this could blow up in their face. We will have to see how often they use Fields, and if their offense can make a bit of a comeback with their new quarterback, as they have been miserable on offense since Ben Roethlisberger left.
The Steelers should have one of the best defenses in the league behind T.J. Watt, and if their offense can take a step up they may be a feisty team in the AFC to get to the playoffs.
Related: Pittsburgh Steelers Name Starting QB for Week 1
