The Pittsburgh Steelers arguably have the most high-profile pair of quarterbacks in the NFL. To address problems at the position last season, the team completely changed their quarterback depth chart this offseason. Pittsburgh did this by acquiring veteran QB Russell Wilson and a young Justin Fields.
Most people assumed that there was going to be a quarterback competition for the starting job once training camp began. It got to the point where reporters were constantly asking Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin about this. Now, Tomlin finally has an answer to those questions.
Mike Tomlin Confirms Quarterback Competition
Earlier this morning, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was asked if the team currently has a quarterback competition. Tomlin confirmed there is a competition, and he revealed what would carry more weight when deciding which quarterback will be the starter. Here is what he had to say about it:
“There very much is a competition. What happens in stadium is weighted heavier than what happens in a practice setting because it is more game-like.” -Mike Tomlin
Justin Fields Getting First Opportunity
According to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team, Justin Fields is going to start in the Steelers’ first preseason game this Friday. Meanwhile, Russell Wilson is not going to play due to a calf injury. Considering Tomlin’s statement about a quarterback’s performance in a stadium carrying more weight, this could be the first chance for Fields to show that he is the man for the job.
Pittsburgh Steelers Moving Forward
No matter who ends up winning this quarterback competition, it is likely going to be an upgrade from the quarterback situation that Pittsburgh had last season. Why is this? For starters, Kenny Pickett was quickly looking like a draft bust after the Steelers selected him in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Things were getting historically bad offensively for the Steelers before Pickett was inevitably benched.
As a result, Mason Rudolph was given the nod. Pittsburgh made the playoffs once this change was made. However, Rudolph signed with the Tennessee Titans in the offseason. In four regular season games last season, he had just 719 passing yards and three touchdown passes.
Russell Wilson and Justin Fields were both starting quarterbacks last season for different teams. Now, one of them will start for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024.
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