NFL Insider: Russell Wilson vs. Justin Fields ‘More of a Coin Flip Than Most Think’
Joseph Zucker@@JosephZuckerFeatured Columnist IVJuly 29, 2024
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The Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback battle between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields may not be as clear cut as many expect, according to ESPN’s Dan Graziano.
“It’s easy to listen to the chatter around this situation and just assume Wilson has it all sewed up, but after visiting Steelers camp and talking to people there, I am not so sure,” Graziano reported Monday. “… It’s a lot more of a coin flip than most think, and I believe that part of the reason the Steelers have set Wilson up as the leader in the competition is because they believe that’s the best way to manage him. But I’m going to go out on a limb here and say Fields will show enough through camp to catch him and claim the Week 1 starting spot.”
Graziano added that “Wilson looked better in OTAs and minicamp” but that Fields had the chance to take first-team snaps in practice with the nine-time Pro Bowler sidelined due to a calf injury.
Baku 🐧 @Mazursky8895Wow perfectly placed deep ball for a Van Jefferson touchdown. pic.twitter.com/8ZYtvomPD0
Once Pittsburgh’s quarterback room came together, many fans guessed Wilson would be the starter once Week 1 rolled around.
The 35-year-old performed reasonably well in 2023, throwing for 3,070 yards and 26 touchdowns to eight interceptions. He’s no longer at his peak but is a serviceable No. 1 option.
Fields, on the other hand, is still a bit of a project as a passer heading into Year 4. He completed 61.4 percent of his passes and averaged 197.1 yards per game last season.
The 25-year-old’s running ability brings a dimension Wilson no longer possesses, though. Even with opposing defenses knowing how to defend against him better, he ran for 657 yards and four touchdowns.
Graziano previously reported Sunday on the Steelers’ QB dynamic and said Pittsburgh is “open-minded” about the idea that Fields could surpass Wilson in training camp.
Head coach Mike Tomlin and his staff still have a lot to think about when it comes to who’s leading the offense on Sept. 8 against the Atlanta Falcons.
