Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin has made no indication of who is starting at quarterback Sunday night against the New York Jets. Going into the season, Russell Wilson was presumably the starter, but after a calf injury, Justin Fields stepped up and has so far led the Steelers to a 4-2 record. With Wilson fully healthy, Tomlin said he'd be a full participant at practices and that the QB1 position was open.
Joe Sargent / Getty Images
Steelers QBs Russell Wilson and Justin Fields look on during practice.
Fans and the media are wondering who will start, but reports have been coming out stating that Wilson is in line to suit up Sunday night as the starter. The Steelers officially signed Wilson on March 15 earlier this year, putting him in line to be the new starting quarterback for the team. A day later though, the Steelers traded with the Chicago Bears for Fields, a more younger and agile addition to the quarterback room. Both quarterbacks bring something to the table. With Wilson, you have his veteran mind and the ability to throw more accurate balls. With Fields, he can create amazing plays with his legs and get out of tough situations when the pocket collapses.
There hasn't been much help with the passing game to be fair. Besides George Pickens, no one has shown that they can be the reliable WR2 on the team. Steelers insider Gerry Dulac appeared on The Rich Eisen Show to talk about the Wilson and Fields situation. Dulac believes that if Wilson starts, the Steelers will be able to see what their wide receiver room can truly do.
"Great receivers don't make an average quarterback better, but great quarterbacks make average receivers better," said Dulac.
The Steelers' run game has been picking up, but the passing game has been rather stale. Whether it's on Fields for not throwing the ball well or the receivers not getting open, it's hard not to wonder if Wilson could improve the passing game even a little. Pickens clearly leads the receiving room with 363 yards, but he also has zero touchdowns. Next on the receiving chart is a tight end. Pat Freiermuth has 194 receiving yards, the second highest on the team.
AP
Steelers' Pat Freiermuth celebrates with wide receiver George Pickens after a play.
As the offseason went along, the Steelers tried to get another big name wide receiver to add to their roster. After failing to acquire Brandon Aiyuk and Davante Adams, Omar Khan will continue his search for a receiver before the trade deadline on November 5. It doesn't always take a huge name to boost a wide receiving core. Look at the Green Bay Packers. Jordan Love took the job after Aaron Rodgers got traded and has played great since. Love has thrown for 1,131 yards this season even with missing two games due to an injury. Love doesn't have big name receivers around him. The oldest receiver is 25 and all of them are making plays because Love can throw the ball.
This argument goes with what Dulac is saying. Although Wilson is older and can have some rust going into Sunday night if he starts, he could still make a huge different in the passing game if he's able be the great quarterback he's known for being.
Steelers' Offensive Line Will Have To Block For Wilson If He Starts
The Steelers have taken some major hits to their offensive line this season. James Daniels is out for the season and Zach Frazier injured his ankle against the Las Vegas Raiders during Week 6. Rookie Troy Fautanu was also placed on injured reserve before Week 3's matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. Pittsburgh's offensive line has allowed 16 sacks this season, but there could've been a lot more if Fields didn't run out of the pocket.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' offensive line during Week 6 game against the Las Vegas Raiders
The offensive line will need to block for Wilson if he ends up starting Sunday night. If they give Wilson time to throw, the offense could see productive drives down the field. The young guys and backups on the O-line have slowly been gelling together each week, allowing more holes for runs. They'll look to continue to improve against the Jets Sunday.
It's a test to start Wilson while Fields has gone 4-2, but if Tomlin wants to see what Wilson has, now is time to do it as it's still early on in the season.
Will Wilson improve the passing game or will the Steelers look worse with him? Let us know in the comments below!
#Steelernation
