PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Mike Tomlin said he wanted to make the decision on the last day of the preseason so they could have a clean start for Atlanta on Monday. He officially named Russell Wilson the starting quarterback.
It was a move that had been made long before. Wilson got the first-team reps almost the entire offseason with the exception of the time Russell Wilson missed team practices early in training camp with a minor injury, he's been the starting QB.
Tomlin said they made the decision Wednesday, or told both Wilson and Justin Fields on Wednesday. The Steelers head coach said when he may have decided Wilson is the starter is a moot point.
His ability to throw a legitimate deep ball, the leadership, experience, success, the body of work he saw between Organized Team Activities until now-those were reasons Tomlin gave for the decision. He said their practices are intense to give them truer results for situations like this.
The quarterback competition was then spun in a positive way by Tomlin, saying he got to learn a lot about Fields.
"The decision was difficult because of how they've conducted themselves, as opposed to the things that they fall short in, in terms of capabilities or negative conduct," Tomlin said. "Both guys have been really professional. I've been really excited about getting to know them and their games and having the ability to analyze what both are capable of bringing."
Wilson was going to be the starter, but what the injury to Wilson did do was allow Tomlin to get a look at Fields. That information gathered may be used for a time beyond this year. Fields is one of three quarterbacks, none are signed for next season.
"Man, his athleticism is freaky," Tomlin said. "I've seen the highlights and things of that nature, but being an AFC coach and things of that nature, you don't always get a chance to feel it or really pay attention to it, to see it day to day, and to see some of the things that he's capable of doing on the football fields are really exciting."
"I know you guys might have some questions about the potential of package football given his skill set, and that's certainly on the table. Make no mistake, his talent, his unique talent as it pertains to mobility, is something that we're open to weaponizing, although I have acknowledged that Russ is QB1."
Tomlin didn't want to elaborate on those potential Fields' plans for competitive reasons. He also praised Kyle Allen for his work as the third quarterback, which may seem irrelevant, but they started three last season.
This outcome was no surprise. The injury gave the team the opportunity to look more at Fields for next season or for a potential role even when Wilson is playing. It worked out well, if they play well.
