Steelers Rumors: Russell Wilson's Command of Offense Noticeably Different Than Fields

Russell Wilson's approach to the functionality of the Pittsburgh Steelers offense appears to differ from Justin Fields' approach.

During an appearance on SportsCenter, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported on the Steeler's quarterback battle and noted that Wilson's "command" of the Steelers offense since returning from a calf injury in training camp has been "noticeably different" from Fields and the other quarterbacks on the roster:

"Mike Tomlin's giving Justin Fields a little more time, a couple of more practices to make his case but they treated Russell Wilson like the starter that he pretty much is on gameday against the Lions. He went in for a few plays, got the touchdown, they got him up out of there like you normally would with a QB1. He is QB1 on the depth chart. I've been hearing throughout that his command of the offense ever since he came back from a calf injury this camp has been noticeably different than their younger quarterbacks, so all signs continue to point to Wilson being the guy. However, Fields has certainly opened his eyes with some of the playmaking, some of the mistakes as well compounded, so he probably hasn't flashed enough to shake this out in his favor just yet but looks like he still has some time."

Fowler reported that Wilson remains the frontrunner to earn the starting quarterback spot but that Fields is being allowed an opportunity to "make his case."

Following the Steeler's final preseason game against the Detroit Lions, Tomlin said that the staff would not make a final decision on the starting role until after the next week of practices.

"We'll make a decision at the end of our work week," Tomlin said, per Brooke Pryor of ESPN. "This upcoming week we have three days of Steelers vs. Steelers work and why not do it then?

"It minimizes the Steelers versus Steelers work when we started making decisions prior to the completion of that. We've got ample time to prepare for Atlanta and make whatever decisions or announcements regarding divisional labor or pecking orders and so forth and so we'll do it at the end of the work week."

Wilson threw for 3,070 yards with 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions for the Denver Broncos in 2023. He was released following the season and signed a one-year deal with Pittsburgh in free agency.

He has played in two preseason games for the Steelers but has had a limited sample size, going 10-of-12 for 73 yards with zero touchdowns or interceptions. Fields, on the other hand, has seen more exposure in the preseason but has also failed to toss a touchdown.

Wilson's veteran experience always made him the likely candidate to assume the starting role, but the flashes Fields has shown in his career made the competition look tight. Still, it looks like Pittsburgh will trot out the nine-time Pro Bowler as the franchise looks to reach the playoffs once again in 2024.