Check Your Ego

By Mike Rifkin

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been the definition of consistency in the NFL for a long time. They haven’t had a losing season since 2003, they’ve had three head coaches spanning over 30 years, etc… This offseason the Steelers decided to make a change at the most important position quarterback. 

The trio of Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky, and Mason Rudolph are all in different places. The Steelers brought in Russell Wilson, who was released by the Broncos and Justin Fields, who they acquired in a trade with the Bears. Coach Mike Tomlin was adamant that Wilson was in “pole position” from the start, so it should come to no surprise that Wilson was named the starter on Wednesday. Wilson, missed most of training camp with a calf injury, so that begs the question why Wilson over Fields?

Wilson has the experience edge, but his stint in Denver was not pretty especially 2022. Wilson was better last season under Sean Payton throwing for 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions, with a 66.4 completion percentage. Wilson hasn’t thrown for more than 30 touchdowns since 2020. Usually when you look at quarterbacks you’re looking for someone who can win you a Super Bowl or someone who may be your franchise quarterback. But here’s the thing Russell Wilson is neither. Russ will be 36 in November, and even with him at the helm does that make the Steelers better than the Bengals, Browns or Ravens the answer for me is no. 

Would Justin Fields make them better than those teams? The answer is still no, but at least playing Fields would at least give you a glimpse into who can be the quarterback of the future. Justin Fields is only 25 years old, and let’s be honest pairing him with a young defensive coach was a mistake on the Bears part. Last season Fields had a 61.4 completion percentage with 16 touchdowns, nine interceptions and three fumbles. He also chipped in four rushing touchdowns. Fields also had one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL, he was sacked 44 times, the Bears Offensive line gave up 50 which was seventh most in the NFL. Fields is one of many young quarterbacks to struggle behind a bad offensive line and turnovers, so which begs me to ask again why Russ over Fields?

The answer is simple Mike Tomlin’s ego. Tomlin has never had a losing season, and he wants to keep that in check. But the problem is is might be hindering the progress of the organization. Because if the Steelers sneak into the playoffs at 9-8 or something, they’ll get dismantled by one of the better teams in the AFC. So here’s the question for me : How long is Wilson’s leash? I don’t care if they design a package for Fields (think Saints with Hill), because until we see if Fields has a grasp of the offense the Steelers are destined to be middle of the pack especially with Burrow and Lamar Jackson in their division.