The Pittsburgh Steelers added two former starting quarterbacks this offseason, but one appears to be the clear frontrunner to start in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons.
In March, head coach Mike Tomlin hinted at prioritizing experience, stating that Russell Wilson was in “pole position” to start Week 1.
A few months later, new Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith reiterated this stance.
“Russ is in the pole position,” Smith said this week, according to ESPN’s Brooke Pryor. “It’s a competition. Obviously, we get to Latrobe, I’m sure things will heat up, but both those guys knew that, however they were acquired, and they got here and I think it’s been pretty transparent.”
Smith, like Wilson and Fields, is seeking a fresh start in Pittsburgh. After coaching the Falcons for three seasons before being fired in January, he’s eager to learn alongside the new quarterbacks.
“It’s probably easier than if you get a job like this and there’s a guy that’s maybe been here 10 years,” he added. “They may have a certain way they’ve done things. . . . We’re all new. And so that’s been fun.”
The Steelers are preparing to compete in the highly competitive AFC North. The Ravens, Bengals, and Browns are all expecting to contend next season, and Pittsburgh believes it can be in the mix with its new quarterback tandem.
Barring any dramatic changes, it looks like Wilson will start the season as the quarterback. Fields’ athletic abilities have led to speculation that he might be used in non-traditional roles, reminiscent of do-everything offensive weapon Kordell Stewart from the past.
As the season approaches, the Steelers’ coaching staff appears confident in Russell Wilson’s ability to lead the team starting Week 1.
