Insider Hints at Potential Quarterback Bench Move for the Steelers
If you’re familiar with Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, you’d understand that the only reason the organization would consider benching their current quarterback for Russell Wilson is the belief that Wilson offers a better chance to win.
In a Sunday morning article on October 20, NFL insider Dianna Russini from The Athletic shared insights she’s been gathering around the league leading up to Week 7. Among her observations was a notable point regarding the Steelers’ potential choice to favor Wilson over their current quarterback.
“One thing to keep in mind that may or may not influence this decision,” Russini noted, “is that if the current quarterback plays 51 percent of Pittsburgh’s snaps this season, the trade compensation to the Bears shifts from a sixth-round pick to a fourth-round pick.”
Russini also mentioned that she doesn’t genuinely believe Tomlin is considering this trade clause in his decision-making. However, she indicated that “some people I’ve spoken to in the league have speculated that the Steelers could be.”
“Overall, many are questioning why Tomlin would make such a change when things are going well,” she added. “We’ll see on Sunday night whether Tomlin proves to be wiser than everyone else or if this decision backfires, as some fear.”
Jets Present Difficult Matchup for Steelers, Russell Wilson
While Russini acknowledged that Tomlin deserves the “benefit of the doubt” given his successful coaching history, she also shared concerns voiced by her sources around the league, particularly regarding the upcoming matchup against the New York Jets.
“Some have asked: If you’re going to switch to a quarterback who hasn’t taken a live snap in the regular season, why do it against a tough Jets defense?” she noted. “With the New York Giants coming up next week, wouldn’t that be a more sensible game for Wilson’s debut?”
The Giants also present a challenging opponent for a struggling Steelers offensive line, featuring disruptive players like Dexter Lawrence and Brian Burns. Thus, facing the Jets could prove to be a tough debut for the veteran quarterback.
The Jets rank sixth in the NFL for pressure rate, according to Pro Football Reference, and boast skilled coverage defenders such as cornerbacks Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed (who is questionable with a groin injury), along with veteran linebacker C.J. Mosley.
“Perhaps the thinking is that if the current quarterback performs well against the Jets, it would close the door on Wilson’s chance entirely,” Russini speculated on October 20. She also reported that sources within the Jets organization are “happy” about the quarterback change.
Steelers Should Have Short Leash With Russell Wilson as Starting QB
Tomlin has always suggested that Wilson would get his chance once he was healthy, and now that moment has arrived.
However, it’s crucial for the Steelers not to be inflexible with their quarterback situation. Fields has already demonstrated his ability to win games for the franchise, boasting a 4-2 record in the first six weeks. If Wilson struggles against the Jets on Sunday Night Football and then loses to the Giants the following week, the fanbase will undoubtedly demand Fields be reinstated as the starter.
In fact, they might even push for a switch after a loss to the Jets. If that scenario unfolds, Tomlin must be prepared to hand the reins back to Fields without hesitation. This decision should be free of ego or stubbornness, and certainly should not involve concerns about potential trade compensation.
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