Injuries, quarterback battle, weak offense and defense, and aging players—the drama never ends in Pittsburgh Steelers. Every day, fans wake up to some new buzz going around the team. And this time, again it is about the starting quarterback competition. Analysts keep guessing whom to choose between Justin Fields and Russell Wilson. But this time, it’s Bill Belichick making waves with his surprising take on Wilson!

New England Patriots former HC appeared on the Pat McAfee Show on August 19 to share his opinion on the upcoming NFL season. He couldn’t resist talking about the ongoing QB battle and said, “I think the number one thing in coach Tomlin’s mind is taking care of the football. And that’s something that Russell is very good at”. Well, everyone knows Mike thinks about only two things—winning and football. And, Russell has the ability to hang onto the ball and make smart decisions. It’s just like a chess game where Tomlin is the king and Russell is his perfect chess piece!

Belichick also revealed how there are bigger concerns for the Steelers than the QB battle, like their offensive line. And he has got a point. He also mentioned how the team needs to get their running game going. “They have good backs. They need to get those backs started. Russell’s good out of the pocket. He’ll be able to hit those play-action passes. He’s one of the best downfield throwers in the league,” he added. Belichick believes the offensive line barely misses the throws and knows how to take care of the ball. With someone like Belichick backing Russell, the ball is still in the QB’s court!

Not only does the former HC believe in Wilson’s superpowers but analyst Mark Dominik has also got a lot of faith in the QB. Just like all the fans, he also agrees that Russell Wilson has barely played this preseason—just 10 throws, but Dominik brings an interesting opinion to the table. He strongly believes the Steelers are just being extra cautious to save the player for the real action. In the analysts’ eyes, Wilson is their ticket to the postseason, and obviously, no team would take a chance with it.

Talking about the QB, Dominik said, “I know Russell Wilson’s only thrown 10 balls this preseason, and it’s not been a lot, but I think they’re just trying to hold him back and make sure he gets to the starting line. They don’t want to see something happen to the guy that they know is the only way they’re gonna get to the postseason.” But is Wilson able to take the teams to playoffs, well that’s still a mystery!

Justin Fields vs. Russell Wilson: Who’s really got what it takes to be the starting QB?

We all know how the QB battle started between Justin Fields and Russell Wilson. But with time, the competition is turning into an unending war. While Justin brings his excellent accuracy and powerful arm strength, Russell offers his unmatchable experience. When Wilson’s calf injury forced him to take a backseat, Fields stepped up in his shoes to take first-string duties. And as right as rain, the QB worked hard in training camps and preseason to build better connections with the team and enhance his mobility and playmaking abilities.

Moreover, he is being seen as a dual threat because of his capability to scramble. And the cherry on top is Field’s mobility equivalent to elite Ravens QB Lamar Jackson. In the Pat McAfee show, McAfee compared the two QBs stats saying, “He is basically Lamar Jackson!” Well, it doesn’t end here! While playing for the Chicago Bears in 2022, Fields created a record for the second-most rushing yards in a single season by a QB by completing 1,143 rushing yards.

Even Randy Mueller appreciated how Justin Fields made a perfect pair with Arthur Smith, improving the team’s offense. He said, “Arthur Smith’s offense is a perfect fit for Justin Fields. I think it is outstanding what he’s gonna ask of his quarterback to do what [for] Justin actually are his strengths.” But, as skills and flaws go hand in hand, Fields’ abilities come with a few weak points! Being a quarterback, the worst weakness a sportsperson can have is inaccuracy. In 2023, the player could complete only 60.3% of his passes, indicating he still has a long way to go!

On the other hand, we have Russell Wilson, a proficient quarterback. With over 12 years of experience in the NFL, he is the perfect blend of knowledge, skills, and an impressive game. The QB brings a Super Bowl championship and more than nine Pro Bowl selections to the table. And that’s just a part of his journey! Wilson’s unmatchable leadership and on-point accuracy, combined with his career consisting of 43,653 passing yards and over 334 touchdown passes, make him a generational QB. And that’s not enough! His flexibility, mobility, precision, and power to develop plays make him a dual threat.

The QB understands the assignment of how to keep defenses on their toes! But as we said earlier, perfections always come with imperfections! 2022 was a very challenging year for him. Wilson was traded from the Seattle Seahawks to the Denver Broncos. With a 60.2% completion rate, Wilson had a mixed performance throughout the season because of his shoulder injuries and a hamstring. In the last season, he played 15 games and achieved a passer rating of 98.0, giving an incredible performance. The QB recorded a total of 3,070 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions throughout the year. However, Broncos benched Wilson for two final games.

We cannot deny that Wilson has already turned 35 and his growing age and injuries are a big concern. And with several young players breaking records, would Wilson be able to level up his game?

While Russell Wilson is becoming a diminishing skill player, Justin Fields still needs to work on his accuracy. With the Steelers saga taking twists every day, it is yet to be seen when the QB debate ends!