Should you’re already bored with the Justin Fields vs Russell Wilson debate, now we have some unhealthy information: it’s not going away. This is likely to be one of many extra intriguing quarterback conditions the NFL has seen in a number of years.
Each quarterbacks have the potential to guide the Steelers to massive issues in 2024. However each quarterbacks are additionally riddled with questions and causes to doubt them.
Fields vs Wilson: Who’s Pittsburgh’s Greatest Choice
The excellent news for the Steelers is that they didn’t make investments an excessive amount of in both quarterback. Additionally they don’t essentially should decide to both past this season.
However, Pittsburgh needs to win now, so the place previous Steelers quarterbacks have failed lately, they need both Wilson or Fields to succeed. So which one is it going to be? Let’s take a more in-depth look.
The Case for Russell Wilson
Maybe one of the best argument for Wilson beginning is that the Steelers don’t have anything to lose by giving him an opportunity. The Broncos are paying a majority of his wage after reducing him free, so Pittsburgh is getting him for subsequent to nothing. That makes him an economical quarterback with a borderline Corridor-of-Fame pedigree.
Wilson is a nine-time Professional Bowler and has twice led his staff to the Tremendous Bowl. In a division with Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow, the Steelers must discover a strategy to get extra out of that place than they’ve gotten over the previous couple of years. Together with his observe document, Wilson may very well be the reply.
The Case Towards Russell Wilson
Then again, Wilson’s current observe document over the previous few years is indicative of a quarterback who’s over the hill and may not carry out at an elite stage. Wilson’s accuracy has been erratic during the last couple of years and he’s not the runner he was earlier in his profession.
He’s gone 17-27 during the last three years. That’s going again to his last season in Seattle, so Wilson’s decline began earlier than his transfer to Denver, creating questions over whether or not a change of surroundings to Pittsburgh might be sufficient to get his profession circled.
The Case for Justin Fields
Talking of a change of surroundings, that’s the greatest cause why the Steelers ought to give Fields an opportunity. He’s a former top-10 decide who remains to be solely 25 years outdated. It’s no secret that Fields didn’t have loads of success in Chicago during the last three years, however he additionally didn’t have a ton of help.
With a greater supporting solid and a recent begin, it’s nonetheless conceivable for Fields to get his profession circled and fulfil his potential. In principle, Fields nonetheless has loads of upside and will nonetheless have a brilliant future, so it’s price giving him a shot earlier than he turns into a free agent subsequent spring.
The Case Towards Justin Fields
Whereas some may even see the glass as half full with Fields, he could also be only a bust. In spite of everything, he’s had 38 profession begins and received simply 10 video games. He barely has extra landing passes than interceptions and is commonly extra productive as a runner than a passer.
If the Bears couldn’t compete with Fields within the NFC North during the last three years, he’s unlikely to be ok to assist the Steelers within the AFC North, so why hassle utilizing him as something however a backup?
The Verdict
Surprisingly, Fields is Pittsburgh’s most suitable choice proper now and needs to be the beginning quarterback in 2024. Whereas Wilson gives extra expertise and a possible short-term match, there’s nothing about what he’s completed during the last three years that signifies he’s able to elevating the Steelers to a playoff-caliber staff, particularly in such a difficult division. He would possibly make them incrementally higher, however not sufficient to make a significant distinction within the standings.
In the meantime, Fields nonetheless has the instruments to warrant a full-season audition because the starter in Pittsburgh. If he falters, the Steelers can begin from scratch in 2025. But it surely’s price giving him an opportunity in a extra secure group the place he’ll obtain extra help. Finally, Fields must outperform Wilson throughout the preseason to earn the job. Nonetheless, there’s extra worth in giving Fields an opportunity to be the starter in 2024.
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