Justin Fields isn’t a perfect quarterback, but he might just be perfect for what Arthur Smith and this Pittsburgh Steelers offense wants to do. Russell Wilson was brought in this offseason and was presumed to be the starter entering the season, but a calf injury opened the door for Fields to take control, and he hasn’t looked back
Will Pittsburgh continue to look the way of the 25-year-old Fields, or, with heightened expectations after a fast start, could the Steelers look for the guidance of a veteran like Wilson?
Why Is Justin Fields Starting Instead of Russell Wilson?
All stats are from TruMedia unless otherwise stated.
“Health” was the simple answer to start the season, but as Wilson progresses through his recovery, that’s not going to be the case for long.
Fields is a decade younger than Wilson, which is certainly part of it, but if we’ve learned anything during the Mike Tomlin era, it’s that this franchise is always in win-now mode.
The Steelers wouldn’t roster two viable quarterbacks like this if they were confident that either was a safe bet, but through the first month, Fields has looked as such. He may not offer dynamic potential through the air, but in Weeks 1-4, he ranked seventh among qualified signal-callers in completion percentage (70.6%, well ahead of his career rate of 61.4%), fifth in rushing yards, and fifth in interception rate.
A big-time throw from Justin Fields to George Pickens.
I could watch this over and over. pic.twitter.com/mxlYAb0YAP
— Daniel Valente (@StatsGuyDaniel) September 30, 2024
Fields isn’t going to carry an offense the way Patrick Mahomes might do, but this Steelers team doesn’t need that.
Steeler Defensive Ranks, Weeks 1-4
- Defensive EPA: 8th
- Yards Per Play: 6th
- Red-Zone Efficiency: 4th
- 3-and-Out Rate: 3rd
- Points: 1st
That profile is nothing short of elite and doesn’t require MVP-level play under center to make Pittsburgh a threat.
When it comes to Wilson, we just aren’t sure what he has left in the tank, especially if there are concerns that his calf injuries continue to nag at the 35-year-old. Wilson’s yards per pass attempt have declined in consecutive seasons, and he posted the lowest average depth of throw of his career last year (8.1, previous career low: 8.2).
Wilson’s ability to extend plays and stretch the field is what made him special in Seattle, but his statistical profile has shown signs of Father Time taking its toll in that regard.
Wilson, Out of Pocket
- 2020-21 (Seahawks): 60.8% completion percentage, 6.8 yards per attempt
- 2022-23 (Broncos): 42.9% completion percentage, 4.7 yards per attempt
The Steelers are off to an impressive 3-1 start, and that has earned Fields the benefit of the doubt, even with Wilson nearing full strength. Pittsburgh’s offense has favorable matchups for most of the next month, thus allowing us to be reasonably confident in Fields’ ability to hold onto this job.
- Tonight vs. Cowboys
- Week 6 at Raiders
- Week 7 vs. Jets
- Week 8 vs. Giants
- Week 9 BYE
- Week 10 at Commanders
In theory, the bye week would be the time to make a change if Pittsburgh was going to do it. However, if this team is 5-3 and in playoff position, would they consider a move?
With both quarterbacks unrestricted free agents at the conclusion of the season, Tomlin and the Steelers are motivated to act in the best interest of this year. Even if things were to take a turn for the worst, Fields is the option that can impact the future moreso than Wilson.