Steelers' Broderick Jones Believes There's "Just A Different Energy When Russ [Wilson] Is In" Vs Justin Fields

The Pittsburgh Steelers now find themselves in a situation where quarterback Russell Wilson could actually take over the reigns as the starter, after the team lost the last two games with Justin Fields at the helm. Fields led Pittsburgh to an unconvincing 3-0 start, although the young quarterback showed promise. Wilson is just about fully healthy with his calf, finally, which brings the Steelers to a tough decision moving forward about who the starting quarterback should be. 

The Steelers will hit the road for Week 6 to take on the Las Vegas Raiders in a game where both franchises are starving for a victory. After last week's disgusting loss to the Dallas Cowboys, Fields will certainly end up losing the starting gig to Wilson if Pittsburgh comes up short yet again. Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin told reporters that Fields will get the start in Vegas while Wilson backs him up, giving the young quarterback at least one more shot to prove himself before handing the offense over to the veteran.

As Tomlin repeatedly told the press, Wilson's injury prevented the idea of an actual QB1 competition between he and Fields. It was only a matter of time until Wilson would fully recover and tough decisions would have to be made. 

Pittsburgh's right tackle Broderick Jones gave his thoughts about Wilson's presence in the huddle compared to when Fields is in. 

"You know, it's always just a different energy when Russ is in, between Russ and Justin, you know what I'm saying," Jones told reporters Friday. "Just 'cause Russ has been doing it for so long. So, when he comes in, he has a little swagger about himself and it just rubs off."

As most of Steeler Nation knows, Wilson is one of the most confident players in the National Football League and consistently has a positive mindset. That, of course, was one of the most attractive things about Wilson and why Pittsburgh was so interested in signing him during the 2024 offseason. Jones continued his response by giving both quarterbacks credit for being able to manage the offense in a professional manner. 

"You know, Justin is going to go out there and play lights out though. At the end of the day, either way, I feel like both of them are ready and prepared to do whatever needs to be for us to get the job done. But you definitely feel a different momentum or shift just because of the two different type of play styles they have."

Jones has had a rocky start to the season as Pittsburgh's right tackle, with rookie Troy Fautanu sidelined for the rest of the season with a knee injury. Jones' extremely promising rookie season last year leaves a lot of hope left on the table that he can get it together and lead the offensive line, who has a whole hasn't played up to expectations. 

Although he hasn't reached the level he was on last season, Jones seems to be finding his groove again more and more each week. The fan base was severely concerned about Jones when he had a multiple-play stretch that included three deadening penalties in Week 2, which put him on the bench behind Fautanu before his injury. Should Pittsburgh lose to the Raiders on Sunday, Jones could be blocking for Wilson in Week 7, which sounds like Jones' preference. 

Steelers' O-Line A Letdown So Far After Promising 2024 Offseason Roster Adjustments

Pittsburgh's front office received countless applauds from fans and analysts for their efforts in re-configuring their offensive line before this season. Drafting Fautanu, center Zach Frazier, and guard Mason McCormick all within the first four rounds of this year's NFL Draft, the Steelers have a very young and bright future up front. Fautanu's injury was brutal as the team was prepared to move on from Dan Moore Jr., although to this point, he's been the most impressive and consistent tackle on the team. 

Frazier has been a stud and already looks like the Steelers' center for the next decade, but the offensive line as a whole has been disappointing. Pittsburgh was without one of their best two guards, Isaac Seumalo, for the first month of the season, and the other, James Daniels, went down with an Achilles injury to end his season in Week 4. Pittsburgh's line is beat up, and it's clear as day the way they're playing. 

The most noticeable area where the o-line seems to be struggling is the running game. There haven't been a lot of opportunities for big runs and Pittsburgh's yards per carry is the fourth worst in the NFL at 3.7. The Steelers have to figure it out up front in order to see changes in the offense. 

Do you think Wilson brings more swagger to the offense compared to Fields? How is the offensive line performing considering the injuries they've faced? Let us know in the comments.

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