Steelers' Mike Tomlin Will Avoid "Panic Move" Of Benching Russell Wilson And Give Him A Long Leash

When Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin decided to stick to his guns and play Russell Wilson over Justin Fields in Week 7, many thought he was making a mistake. Fields had performed admirably over the season's first six weeks. However, Wilson seemed able to unlock the passing game in a way that Fields hadn't, and the team seemed to be clicking. That all collapsed during the season's final games as they faced loss after loss. This has left fans wondering who to blame and raised concerns over seeing the same stagnant offense against the Baltimore Ravens. 

Many feel that Tomlin and Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith should just plan to use Fields instead of Wilson. However, others do not believe that the offensive issues are entirely Wilson's fault. Ray Fittipaldo from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette was asked on The Fan Morning Show on 93.7 The Fan just how long of a leash Wilson will have in this game. If the offense seems to flounder as it did against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 18, will they consider benching him in favor of Fields? 

"I think it's a fairly long leash," said Fittipaldo. "I think that would be viewed as a panic move on Mike's part. If they'd wanted to make that move, I think they would have made that at some point during the season. I don't think it's something you do in the playoffs. Now, if it looked really bad and they fell behind 21-0 again, maybe you do something to get a little bit of a spark. But I don't think they have that mindset going into the game whatsoever."

The show's hosts, Dorin Dickerson and Adam Crowley pointed out that they think that should be their mindset. This is a one-and-done situation in the playoffs, and you have to do all you can to win. Fittipaldo said that history has shown they won't respond that way. He said they were down 21-0 to the Buffalo Bills in the playoff game last year and didn't move off Mason Rudolph. When Ben Roethlisberger was quarterback, they got down 35-7 against the Kansas City Chiefs and didn't make a change. 

"I think they'd be crazy not to use Justin Fields," added Fittipaldo. "To me, this offense needs a spark right now. Mike brought up his injury; he hurt his abdominal muscle in that first game against the Ravens, so he didn't play against the Chiefs. I can kinda buy why they didn't use him against the Bengals, but it's a new season, you gotta use your best players, and I think Justin has to be a part of this game plan, whatever it is - short yardage, goal line, they gotta use their best players. I would be shocked if they don't insert him a little bit."

Fields told the media that he wasn't sure if they planned to use him against the Ravens, but he is ready either way. He said physically, he feels fantastic and hopes the Ravens spent a lot of time preparing for him.  

Wilson appeared to have found the fountain of youth earlier this season, but as the weather gets colder, he looks more his age. He has struggled with mobility and has taken numerous sacks. Fields may not have been the passer that Wilson is, but Smith hasn't relied on the Super Bowl winner's arm these last four weeks. 

Is The Steelers' Offensive Line To Blame?

There is no disputing how much the offensive line has regressed during the final few weeks of the regular season. They have suffered numerous injuries and have had to regroup several times this season. 

However, former Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch said that he does not believe they are entirely to blame for the offensive woes, and neither is Wilson. Batch said recently that he thinks Smith has taken away Wilson's ability to control the cadence at the line of scrimmage. This is something quarterbacks have a feel for and shouldn't be under a coach's control. 

How long of a leash do you think Wilson should have against the Ravens? Click to comment below. 

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