The Pittsburgh Steelers are faced with a major decision as they prepare for their upcoming game against the New York Jets. It appears increasingly likely that Russell Wilson will return to the field on Sunday after nursing a calf injury that has sidelined him for the entire regular season thus far.
In Wilson’s absence, rookie quarterback Justin Fields has stepped up to the challenge and led the Steelers to an impressive 4-2 start. His performance has garnered praise from many, including former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
Roethlisberger, who was an early supporter of Fields, is now advocating for the young quarterback to continue starting even when Wilson is healthy. He emphasized the importance of sticking with Fields, stating, “I would absolutely not even think about taking him out of the game right now. I would keep him in there. Even if he has a bad game, I would keep him in here. Right now, they’re rolling. I think he’s playing well enough.”
One aspect that Roethlisberger highlighted was Fields’s footwork, which he believes is a unique strength that Wilson may not be able to replicate. He praised Fields’s ability to extend plays and make things happen with his legs, a quality that sets him apart from other quarterbacks in the league.
While acknowledging Wilson’s experience and prowess in the pocket, Roethlisberger stressed the value of Fields’s dynamic playing style and the excitement he brings to the team. He noted, “It’s good to know what you have at the backup, and Russ is there if you need him. I just think what you’re going to get from Russ is more pocket presence to throw the ball down the field, but you’re not going to get that extend the play like Justin does because he’s a running back back there when he decides to run.”
As the Steelers weigh their options for the upcoming game, the debate over whether to start Wilson or stick with Fields continues to divide opinions. One thing is for certain – the decision will have a significant impact on the team’s performance and future success.
