PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – It's been hard to find a big local event that new Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson hasn't attended, from Pirates and Penguins games to the Kenny Chesney concert on Saturday. That's great, but what do his teammates think of the presumptive next Steelers starting quarterback, their fourth different starting QB in the span of a year?
And before we assume the players just talk about Russ as the starter, when you bring up Wilson's name nearly all also include the name of Justin Fields. The fourth-year former Bears first round pick who admitted he has work to do, but he here to win that first-team QB job.
"Russ has a huge pedigree, there is no denying that," said nine-year veteran Isaac Seumalu. "Justin has played a lot of good football, last year was his best season with Chicago. They both bring good tools and talents, but the biggest thing for them is to be receptive and one of the guys, while holding everyone accountable."
"At the end of the day, it's going to take somebody at that quarterback position to win a lot of games for us."
Last year they turned to all three guys on the roster and Kenny Pickett (7-5), Mitch Trubisky (0-3) and Mason Rudolph (3-0) combined to win 10 games and get the team in the playoffs, but with Wilson and Fields they expect to do more.
"Their leadership speaks volumes," said Steelers running back Jaylen Warren. "They are in-and-out helping guys. Wherever there is a miscommunication. They fix that right away, they don't wait on that. That's a huge thing."
"They are both very smart, both with a lot of IQ," said tight end Connor Heyward. "They will both put us in the right plays. They've seen a lot of defenses. They are going to audible and make those right checks. When you have quarterbacks that can do that, it helps you that much more."
Receiver Calvin Austin said he noticed quickly that both not only comprehend the game very well, but can explain it. He said that's regardless if it's Wilson or Fields.
"When you go back and ask 'do you think I should have done this'?" Austin explained. "He will be like, 'look, that is good. Maybe would have done this or done that different'. They always know what you are thinking and what you saw, but they put it into words where we understand and make sure we are on the same page."
While Wilson has been the most visible in public, Fields has quickly bonded with his teammates. You already see little inside jokes and smiles between Fields and the guys, especially the offensive linemen.
The two quarterbacks took the line out to the Capital Grille last week. As center Nate Herbig joked they know the old rule of using food to win over offensive linemen and he said it works.
"Justin and Russ, they get along very well," said Steelers tackle Broderick Jones. "I feel like they get along with us very well. They are very talkative. I think that helps when you are learning a new offense."
"They are both veterans," Herbig said. "With Justin, you would think he's on the same year as Russ and Russ is on year 13. Their composure in the huddle. How they command the offense and their understanding of the offense already is very impressive. Super-excited to be working with both of them, both very good players."
"They each have their own dynamic," said Steelers tackle Dan Moore. "They definitely bring energy in their own ways, being leaders on and off the field. Getting guys together and doing things together, you can feel those vibes."
From Wilson's standpoint, he said the team work ethic has been awesome. The culture, energy, focus has 'been amazing'.
"It's been a great response, everyone has been working," Wilson said. "It's not just about me, it's about them. It's been about us all together. It's been a lot of fun, a cool experience so far. We are putting the work in and staying focused and doing everything we can to be successful."
What that turns into, we won't know for months, but as of now the new quarterbacks are saying, and doing the right things.
