And I currently think they (specifically, coach Mike Tomlin) are determined to start the season with Russell Wilson at quarterback.
Wilson, in limited work on Saturday night, looked more like the Denver version of himself and not the Seattle version.
Tomlin has had the benefit of studying Russell Wilson since he entered the league in 2012.
And Tomlin can always pivot to Fields later, if Wilson isn’t getting it done.
Three of the first six games come against teams from the AFC West, where Wilson spent the last two seasons.
The bigger tests come in a pair of Sunday night home games in Week 5 (Cowboys) and Week 7 (Jets).
But if feels like Tomlin wants to give Wilson the first crack at becoming what he was before he played for the Broncos.
If Tomlin is right, Wilson could take the Steelers a lot farther than Fields could.
I grew up sixty miles away from Pittsburgh. With the exception of 1986, when I lived in Oakland, California for the semester, I have lived within 100 miles of Three Rivers Stadium, Heinz Field, and the location I will always refer to as Heinz Field for every football season of my life. Growing up, I was too obstinate to be a Steelers fan, but I’ve lived surrounded by them my whole life.
I therefore think I understand the Steelers rather well. Furthermore, I believe that they—more especially, coach Mike Tomlin—are committed to starting Russell Wilson at quarterback in the opening games of the season. even though Justin Fields is what the fans really want.
Yes, Tomlin has only ever stated that Wilson is the most qualified candidate for the position. Even though Justin Fields gave the offense more vigor and excitement when both players played in the most recent preseason game, and even though Wilson missed several weeks of training due to injury, the general consensus is still that Fields hasn’t taken it from Wilson.
When Wilson worked on Saturday night, he appeared less like the Wilson of Seattle and more like the Wilson of Denver. However, it may not have been a true representation of who he is now if his offensive line was overmatched and his calf issue prevented him from being fully unleashed.
Tomlin appears to have concluded that his time with the Broncos was an anomaly. If not, why didn’t he give Denver coach Sean Payton a call to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of having Wilson join the team?
Since Russell Wilson joined the league in 2012, Tomlin has had the advantage of observing Wilson. Tomlin’s past has been influenced by a connection to Eastern Virginia. If Wilson isn’t able to finish it, Tomlin can always switch to Fields afterwards.
This is an additional element that might be advantageous to Wilson. Wilson played for two seasons in the AFC West, and three of the first six games feature teams from that conference. And it begins in Week 2 with a trip back to Denver. In addition to having more familiarity with the Chargers in Week 3 and the Raiders in Week 6, he will be especially driven to defeat the Broncos.
Wilson can gain some equity without having to worry about hearing boos from the home crowd if he misfires on passes or is sacked by pass rushers because the Steelers begin the season with two road games. In an attempt to start the year 2-0, he can play the entire 60 minutes for two weeks in a row. When the Yinzers play the Chargers in Week 3, they will be much more understanding if that occurs.
The two Sunday night home games against the Cowboys in Week 5 and the Jets in Week 7 will be the bigger tests. There will be three stand-alone games in four weeks, including another prime-time matchup with the Giants on Monday. And then right after that, bye. They can switch to Fields after eight games if Russ isn’t producing.
We’re going to see. However, it appears as though Tomlin wishes to give Wilson the opportunity to develop into the player he was before joining the Broncos. Wilson has the potential to lead the Steelers to greater success than Fields did, if Tomlin is correct. Additionally, Fields can always give it a shot if Tomlin is mistaken.
