The Pittsburgh Steelers may soon be forced to make a significant decision about their quarterback situation as Justin Fields struggles under center.
Fields has been the team’s starting quarterback since the beginning of the season, but after two consecutive losses, questions are rising about whether it’s time for a change.
Of course, Mike Tomlin’s original plan was to start Russell Wilson all along. However, an unfortunate calf injury to Mr. Unlimited changed those plans.
Fields’ performance has been underwhelming, and fans are calling for him to be benched after back-to-back losses, including a disappointing showing against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night, where he struggled to make an impact.
Fields’ decision-making, ball security, and overall accuracy have left much to be desired, and many believe it’s time for the Steelers to turn to Wilson, assuming he’s healthy.
Wilson fueled speculation when he told NBC that he’ll be “ready to go” for Week 6 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
If he’s indeed healthy, most fans would love to see him step in and take the reins. After all, Pittsburgh is right in the thick of the early playoff mix and Wilson offers a higher upside than Fields.
Even if Wilson is ready, the decision to bench Fields is not guaranteed. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has kept his cards close to his chest, and it’s unclear if Wilson will start.
Still, the pressure is mounting as fans grow frustrated with Fields’s underperformance.
Against Dallas, Fields went 15-of-27 for 131 yards and two touchdowns.
Though he avoided throwing any interceptions, he put several passes in dangerous spots, racking up turnover-worthy plays.
He also managed only 27 rushing yards, took three sacks, and fumbled once.
What made the performance so worrisome was the fact that Dallas entered with one of the worst defenses in the league and were missing key players such as linebacker Micah Parsons.
Fields initially earned some leeway with a hot start to the season, as the Steelers rattled off three straight wins. But with back-to-back losses, his flaws have become harder to overlook.
Fields has shown discomfort in the pocket and appears out of sync with the Steelers’ offensive system.
His recent performances suggest that Pittsburgh may soon have to make the tough decision to bench him in order to give the team the best chance to win.
As the Steelers head into Week 6, the quarterback situation remains murky. If Wilson is healthy, it seems like only a matter of time before he replaces Fields as the starting quarterback.
But even if Wilson isn’t 100 percent, the calls for a change at quarterback are growing louder. The Steelers have always prided themselves on stability, but with Fields struggling, it’s possible that change is on the horizon.
What are your thoughts on the QB debate? … Is it time to bench Fields???
