Steelers offensive line dictates who Mike Tomlin should start at QB

We’re all guilty of overreacting to the product the Pittsburgh Steelers put on the field before meaningful games are played.

Everybody together now: It’s only the preseason.

But facts are facts.

Russell Wilson and Justin Fields have performed poorly through two preseason games. Neither has produced points, and both have struggled to remain upright. The offensive line, a unit whose personnel isn’t the same as anticipated for Week 1, allowed three sacks of Wilson in 13 pass plays (five drives) and one more on Fields.

Perhaps Wilson is tricking us all and didn’t display his best mobility last week. After all, he’s coming off a calf strain, but he did say the calf wasn’t an issue and that he felt “great” and “strong” versus the Buffalo Bills. But it’s tough to believe Wilson’s not limited mentally or physically after troubling him most of training camp.

When Mike Tomlin names Wilson the starter, as expected, the first portion of the season could be a tough row to hoe. The offensive line doesn’t appear ready to protect a quarterback that isn’t Justin Fields, and Wilson could very well fear for his life. It took the unit several weeks to gel last season, and there is no reason to believe it won’t require the same in 2024, especially if tackles are still being shuffled around. This dictates who Mike Tomlin should name the Week 1 starter.

Wilson, turning 36 in November, doesn’t possess the athleticism and mobility of Fields. Starting the former first-round pick can provide that spark by using his legs and helping to extend plays. Having the ability to allow plays to develop further opens up the playbook (and makes George Pickens, Van Jefferson and Pat Freiermuth happy).

Of course, such a decision would mean there’s no looking back. No going back to Wilson. And it’s tough to imagine he’d roll with that.

But really, now — We all know who Tomlin is naming QB1. The Steelers and its fanbase will have to deal with the consequences.