Despite the Pittsburgh Steelers’ strong 4-2 start to the season, it appears the team is considering a quarterback change ahead of Week 7. Justin Fields, who has been at the helm during this successful run, could be benched for Sunday night’s game against the New York Jets. If Fields is upset about the possibility of losing his starting job, he’s certainly not showing it.
When asked on Thursday about the potential of being replaced, Fields gave an honest and humble response. “I don’t think I played good enough, if I’m being real with you,” Fields admitted. “If I’m being real with myself, I think if I did play well enough there wouldn’t be any, sort of, ‘who should be playing, who should not.’ We got a few wins. Of course, I’m glad about that, but there are areas that I could be better in. I’m just gonna continue to work on those and try to be better.”
Fields’ self-awareness comes after leading the Steelers to a solid record, but it seems his overall performance hasn’t been enough to fully secure the starting role.
Although he has avoided the kinds of mistakes that plagued his time with the Chicago Bears, his numbers—66.3% completion rate for 1,106 passing yards, 5 touchdowns, and 1 interception, along with 231 rushing yards and 5 scores on the ground—haven’t entirely convinced the coaching staff that he’s the long-term answer.
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Complicating the situation is the return of veteran quarterback Russell Wilson, who has been taking first-team reps in practice this week after recovering from a calf injury. Head coach Mike Tomlin has yet to officially name a starter for Sunday’s game, but all indications point to Wilson getting the nod.
Wilson, who beat out Fields for the starting role in the preseason, seems to be regarded by Tomlin as the Steelers’ best option moving forward, despite his age (35) and recent injury concerns.
Fields’ willingness to shoulder responsibility and his candid acknowledgment of his performance demonstrate maturity and resilience. “I’m just going to keep working,” he emphasized, highlighting his determination to improve.
Fields’ tenure with the Steelers has been marked by significant growth compared to his time in Chicago, where turnovers and inconsistencies held him back. His ability to protect the football and make plays with his legs has been a key factor in Pittsburgh’s success this season.
However, it seems Tomlin believes Wilson’s experience and leadership could be what the Steelers need to sustain their strong start and make a deeper push later in the season.
Despite the looming quarterback change, Fields is handling the situation with grace. The former Ohio State standout, who entered the league with high expectations, knows the challenge of securing and maintaining a starting role in the NFL, especially when competing with a seasoned veteran like Wilson.
As Sunday approaches, the Steelers find themselves in the midst of an intriguing quarterback decision. Whether Fields remains the starter or Wilson steps back in, the Steelers’ early-season momentum has set them up for success.
Fields, for his part, continues to stay focused on self-improvement, understanding that in the NFL, opportunities come and go quickly.
For now, Pittsburgh fans will have to wait and see who takes the field under center in Week 7, but Fields’ mature approach to the situation has earned him respect, regardless of the outcome.
