The Steelers are one of only a few teams that haven’t officially named their Week One starting quarterback.
While many believe it will be veteran Russell Wilson, Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio tells the PM Team “I think it would be crazy not to go with Justin Fields.”
Fan Steelers insiders have said that Wilson looks like more complete quarterback in practice.
Both QBs have struggled in preseason games with neither being able to score a touchdown or really get the offense going against the Buffalo Bills this past Saturday at Acrisure Stadium.
Wilson has been in poll position since he signed with Pittsburgh and in this week’s latest depth chart was the #1 quarterback with Fields behind him.
So, why would the Steelers be crazy not to start Fields?
“Looking at that offense, the way the offensive line is playing and you throw on top of it (running back) Jaylen Warren presumably being injured into the season,” said Florio. “Where do you get the burst? Where do you get the acceleration? Where do you get the excitement? You get it from Justin Fields.”
Florio recognizes Fields has “erratic” passes at time, but his legs are too dangerous.
“You got to take the good with the bad, sails the ball over the wide-open guy for the touchdown, two plays later, threads the needle on the sideline,” said Florio.
“I didn’t see anything from Russell Wilson that told me he’s any different than he’s been the last two years in Denver,” added Florio.
Saying that, Florio recognizes that Wilson has been listed first on the depth chart and it won’t surprise him if Wilson is the starter, but “if you want excitement out of that offense, I believe Fields provides it.”