Ben Roethlisberger slams Steelers’ decision to potentially start Russell Wilson over Justin Fields
Ben Roethlisberger makes his case for the Steelers to stick with Justin Fields over Russell Wilson for the remainder of the season.
Follow Us
Ben Roethlisberger wishes the Steelers would stick with Justin Fields over Russell Wilson (Image Credits: via IMAGO)
The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a surprisingly good start to the 2024 football season. All in thanks to quarterback Justin Fields who has taken over the starter’s role well in the absence of veteran Russell Wilson who was expected to start but sustained a calf injury that kept him out. This week, however, Wilson is expected to return and start for the Steelers as they go up against the Jets.
Mike Tomlin’s decision to go with Russell Wilson has upset many fans and one Steelers legend, former QB Ben Roethlisberger. He weighed in on the same in his podcast.
All-in-all, I would absolutely not even think of taking him out of the game right now. I would keep him in there and even if he has a bad game, I would keep him in there because right now, they’re rolling. Yeah, they lost two, they got this win but I think he’s playing well enough, he’s doing enough, you saw with his legs especially, making things happen..
Ben Roethlisberger said
Big Ben on Justin Fields being the starting QB:
— Matthew Luciow (@matthewluciow92) October 14, 2024
“I wouldn’t absolutely not even think of taking him out of the game right now.”#steelers
?YT/ footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger pic.twitter.com/vduAE3OAiR
He shares the same sentiment as do a lot of Steelers fans, if it is not broken, then why fix it? To bring Russell Wilson aboard and make him the starting QB would be to make a big change on offense. It would alter the team’s chemistry, which is a brave thing to do six weeks into the season. Besides, Pittsburgh is 4-2, which is not a bad position at this juncture of the season. This is why Tomlin’s decision to switch quarterbacks has sent jitters down fans’ spines.
Ben Roethlisberger believes Russell Wilson will limit the Steelers’ options on offense
Through six games, Justin Fields has 1,106 yards passing, 5 touchdowns, and 1 interception. Those numbers are laudable and it is possible for Russell Wilson to have the same impact in a few weeks except Fields has more to offer. The quarterback can run the ball just as well. His athleticism gives him a distinct edge over Russell Wilson, who can merely throw the ball but cannot use his legs as much.
The more options that a team has on offense, it makes guarding the tougher task. With Fields, he has a quarterback’s arm and the legs of a running back.
It’s good to know what you have at the backup if Russ is there if you need him. I just think what you’re going to get from Russ is more pocket presence or to throw the ball down the field but you’re not going to get that ‘extend the play’ like Justin does because he is a running back when he decides to run, he’s a talented runner...
Ben Roethlisberger added
Roethlisberger prefers Fields over Wilson because he is a dual-threat quarterback who gives the Steelers’ offense more options.
Through six games this season, Fields has 231 yards rushing on 55 carries and 5 touchdowns. He is averaging 4.2 yards per carry. The Steelers offense has been good with Fields leading it but Mike Tomlin intends to stick with his offseason plan of giving Russell Wilson the starting job. While fans do not have as many expectations from Russ, the only hope would be to ensure that he does not send the Steelers on a downward spiral because then that would irk the team’s fanbase.
Stay Updated!
Sumedh Joshi
(2235 Articles Published)