The Pittsburgh Steelers hope to move up a rung in the AFC pecking order this coming season, and they will have an interesting quarterback situation that could help them do so.
Russell Wilson, the 35-year-old future Hall of Famer, has been penciled in as their starter after being signed as a free agent after two dismal seasons with the Denver Broncos.
Right behind him is Justin Fields, who failed to develop in three seasons with the Chicago Bears.
But the Steelers’ ground-and-pound approach will not change, and it’s something Fields reinforced while talking to the media, per Aaron Becker.
“I think not only do we have the guys but just the guys with the right mentality to do that,” Fields said, per Becker. “I’m excited for this upcoming year and we’re going to keep working towards that goal.”
QB Justin Fields on the #Steelers having the most physical team in the NFL.
“Most definitely. … I think not only do we have the guys but just the guys with the right mentality to do that. I’m excited for this upcoming year and we’re going to keep working towards that goal.” pic.twitter.com/tiRIJVZ6Kq
— Aaron Becker (@Aaron_M_Becker) May 28, 2024
Under head coach Mike Tomlin, the Steelers have seen key players come and go, but they have never had a losing record with Tomlin ever since he took over as head coach in 2007.
They still have wide receiver George Pickens, who led the NFL in yards per reception in 2023, and the tag-team duo of Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren at running back.
Their defense features pass rusher T.J. Watt, Pro Bowl safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, as well as rising star linebacker Patrick Queen, whom they signed away from the Baltimore Ravens in free agency.
There are many people who feel Wilson will struggle at some point this season and open the door for Fields to possibly take over as Pittsburgh’s QB1.
But if Wilson, or for that matter Fields, plays well consistently, perhaps Pittsburgh will get back to the playoffs, and perhaps they have what it takes to win their first playoff game since the 2016 season.
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