The Steelers’ coaching philosophy may motivate them to start Justin Fields over Russell Wilson.
NFL pundit Greg Cosell believes the Steelers should start Justin Fields over Russell Wilson at quarterback this season, owing to the fact that new Pittsburgh offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is anticipated to implement a run-heavy approach.
“I would almost think Fields because of the quarterback run game element,” Cosell remarked during a Monday appearance on “The Rich Eisen Show,” as reported by Alex Kozora of Steelers Depot. “Would offer them a more varied offensive than with Wilson. Neither Fields nor Wilson is a true timing or rhythm passer. Fields would provide more offensive possibilities if he were the quarterback. Assume that’s how they want to play it. They intend to run the ball with their two backs, Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren.
According to ESPN, Harris ended the 2023 regular season seventh in the NFL with 1,035 running yards and sixth with 255 carries. Meanwhile, Warren gained 784 yards on 149 rushes. The Steelers are expected to start the summer with Wilson at the top of the depth chart, but Fields will be able to fight for the starting job for at least part of the preseason. Smith’s reliance on Harris and Warren may theoretically make life simpler for a veteran like Wilson, but some have noted that game footage reveals the 35-year-old’s legs aren’t what they were even a few years ago.
According to Statmuse, Fields has accumulated the second-most regular-season rushing yards (2,220) among NFL quarterbacks since the start of the 2021 season. As great as that is, Cosell stated he agreed with the Chicago Bears’ choice to release Fields this offseason. The Bears are largely projected to make USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams the first pick in the 2024 NFL draft.
“I think Fields has played enough games,” Cosell said, according Ross McCorkle of Steelers Depot. “…one of the things that I believe stands out, and it is quite difficult to train…It’s difficult to teach someone to see clearly when they don’t do it naturally. And I believe it is one of Justin Fields’ major challenges, which may never be resolved.”
The Steelers aren’t committed to either Wilson or Fields beyond the 2024 season and could part ways with both as soon as next March. If Cosell is correct about Fields, and Wilson fails to relive his greatest days with the Seattle Seahawks, Pittsburgh will most certainly spend another winter hunting for a long-term solution at the sport’s most crucial position.