There may be a quarterback controversy brewing in Pittsburgh. The Steelers signed veteran Russell Wilson just days before trading for former first-overall pick Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears. While Wilson was promised the starting job, an injury opened the door for Fields.
Fields managed the ball well and did enough to help lead the Steelers to an 18-10 victory in Atlanta in Week 1. With Wilson ruled out through at least Week 3, the youngster may have a chance to cement himself under center in Pittsburgh.
Longtime NFL cornerback Patrick Peterson, who played in Pittsburgh last season, gave his thoughts on the Steelers quarterback situation on Audacy Sports’ “1st & Pod” with co-host Andrew Fillipponi this week.
“I think it depends on what Justin does over the next two weeks. I believe if Justin goes 3-0, I think coach gave him the keys until he messes it up, in my opinion, because now he has the hot hand,” he said. “Russ didn’t have the best of preseasons so now he’s missing three more weeks of football.”
Fields completed 17 of 23 passes for 156 yards against the Falcons while also running for 57 yards on 14 carries. The Steelers limited Atlanta to just 10 points and Pittsburgh’s six field goals led them to victory.
“Now you got the younger Justin Fields playing mistake-free football – if he’s able to keep this up – mistake-free football, keeping us in the ball game, defense playing lights out,” Peterson continued. “He’s not turning the ball over, making good decisions. The running game is really, really solid. Pittsburgh-style football. So why would we want to change that up? That’s just my opinion.”
The 35-year-old Wilson doesn’t seem like the type of personality that would be OK backing up Fields, but he might lose his job to injury if the Steelers keep this up.
“Being around there last year, if the young fella goes 3-0, mark my words,” Peterson concluded, “he will be named the starter the rest of the season.”
The Steelers take on the Broncos in Denver this week before hosting the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 3. A 3-0 start could be on the table for Fields in Pittsburgh.
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