The quarterback competition for the Pittsburgh Steelers is intensifying as fans eagerly anticipate who will take the helm in Week 1: Russell Wilson or Justin Fields.
Adam Schefter of ESPN shared insights on “NFL Live,” shedding light on the current state of the race.
Though many assume Wilson, with his extensive NFL experience, would naturally secure the starting position, a recent calf strain sidelined him, allowing Fields to step up and make a significant impression during first-team reps.
Schefter echoed this sentiment, noting that while Wilson holds the “pole position,” Fields has “opened some eyes” within the Steelers organization.
“You heard the Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin come out before camp and say in his words that Russell Wilson had the quote on quote ‘pole position’ to win the Steelers starting quarterback job,” Schefter said.
“But what happens when you get the pole position, and you suffer a calf strain and you give your competition some reps? That enables Justin Fields to make a mark with the coaching staff and he certainly did.”
“And I think Russell Wilson remains in the pole position, but I also think that Justin Fields has opened some eyes and they see the type of offense they could have,” Schefter continued.
“We know how this staff has felt about Justin Fields in the past and he has gotten better at practice every day as it’s been told to me. So we’ll see how this plays out over the summer.
Again, I think Russell’s in the lead, but I think Justin Fields has gained some ground just by being out there, with Russell being sidelined due to that calf injury.”
Fields, a dual-threat quarterback, brings a new dynamic to the Steelers, contrasting with Wilson’s seasoned experience.
Both players seek fresh starts in Pittsburgh after disappointing periods with their previous teams.
Embracing this transition, Wilson expressed his desire to mentor Fields, sharing his extensive knowledge and experience.
“Yeah, I think more than anything else, we’ve known each other for some years now, and I’ve always tried to be a mentor in some way to him,” he said. “We’ve always texted, called, whatever it may be in the past, and same thing now.”
“I believe that when you give as much knowledge that I have, or experienced or gone through, it comes back in return for you in the long run,” Wilson added.
“We’re a team and we’re always trying to get better together. Every rep that he’s taking, I’m learning, and vice versa.”
It’s a pivotal training camp for the Steelers as they look to turn the page from the disappointing Kenny Pickett era.
Wilson figures to be the starter, but much crazier things have happened … Either way, it’s safe to assume Fields will still see the field (pun intended) in special packages even if Wilson is the firm starter.
Who do you think will end up winning the starting job???