It will be the battle of quarterbacks’ mettle at Steel City! Yes, you read that right. The conversation of ‘Russell Wilson or Justin Fields as QB1 is failing to leave Pittsburgh. But this ex-Bears coach has his clear pick. One that might force the Steelers’ HC Mike Tomlin to put his thinking glasses on.

On The Colin Cowherd Podcast, on the 26th of July, former coach Dave Wannstedt threw a Super Bowl-sized curveball, saying, “At the end of the day, to win a Super Bowl and win your division, it’s Russell Wilson, in my opinion.” Before you hit the panic button, he’s got his reasons. But first, let’s take you a little back when the discussion on the matter arose. This spicy take came from Colin Cowherd’s masterful questioning—his way of stirring the pot with a perfect blend of intrigue. Colin didn’t hold back, referencing the Steelers’ locker-room drama with a classic line: having two star QBs in the same room? He quoted the former defensive end, Howie Long, and said, “They’ll suck the oxygen out!” Talk about making the air thick with controversy!

The analyst noted, “Russell Wilson has never been popular inside of his locker rooms. Justin Fields, to the very end in Chicago, was loved by his teammates. So, Mike Tomlin has a dance to play.” But where’s the lie? We all know the differences between Russ and Sean Payton at the Broncos. It is not a secret. That’s why Cowherd was itching for Dave’s take.

And surprise, surprise, the 72-year-old didn’t hold back! He believes Tomlin needs Russ’ playoff grit to get that Super Bowl ring. Why? Because, according to Dave, “Quarterback is determined by your team’s ability to be down by 10 with five minutes to go. Do you have a guy at quarterback who can take you down the field, score twice, and win the game? Justin Fields, I hate to say this, but if you look at his fourth-quarter stats, BAD – worst in the league.”

So, let’s pull up the comparison sheet and see how Russ and Fields stack up in the clutch moments.

Talk about Mr. Clutch’s playbook! Wilson’s 4th-quarter numbers are insane, making him the MVP of late-game heroics. With more yards, touchdowns, and a higher passer rating, he’s got Fields in the rearview mirror. Plus, with just 2 picks compared to Fields’ 6, Russ is playing keep-away with the ball and staying cool under pressure. When the game is on the line, Russ is in his prime!

No surprise Dave’s a fan! As he puts it, “I have faced Russell Wilson, going back to NC State days. When he was down here, and I was in Pit, we played him. So, I know him well. I am just a fan. I, really, am.”

But alas, is a “short-term misery” putting a serious roadblock in Wilson’s Super Bowl dream, the very reason he landed in Pittsburgh?

Russell Wilson itches to get back while Justin Fields takes advantage

Russell Wilson, the nine-time Pro Bowl QB, entering his 13th NFL season, missed a chunk of Steelers’ training camp with a pesky calf issue. Pushing a sled during a conditioning run, Wilson was sidelined with what Mike Tomlin calls “short-term misery.” But don’t worry—Wilson’s confident. “If there was a game, I’m definitely going. No doubt,” he told AP. He’s taking it day by day, making sure he’s ready for that crucial opener against Atlanta.

Meanwhile, in comes Justin Fields, ready to grab his moment like a Hail Mary in the end zone. Fields, the young gun from Chicago, is taking full advantage of Wilson’s absence. “I was definitely trying to take advantage of each and every rep,” he remarked. Despite some early hiccups, Fields is showing flashes of promise, with Coach Tomlin noting it’s a “good challenge” for the offensive unit.

However, speaking on SPEAK, on July 25, NFL analyst Joy Taylor tackled the hot question – “Is Fields posing a threat to the 30-year-old QB?” Just like a blitz catching the offense off guard, Taylor answered, “No, if Russ is hurt, then there it is. This is what’s going to happen. That’s what you have backups for. But if Russ is healthy not at all… I mean, if Russ is not able to play, then that’s the only way he’s taking the job from him.” She further noted that even when the 35-year-old QB had a terrible season with the Broncos in 2022, Fields had it even worse, highlighting that this shouldn’t even be up for debate.

Meanwhile, for the 25-year-old, if Taylor’s comments weren’t enough, Wilson’s itching to get back on the field will surely come as a jolt. “I want to get back today, yesterday,” Russ said, reflecting his impatience to rejoin the fray. But according to him, Coach Tomlin has other plans in sight, “We have plenty of time. We’ve got 21 games, 20 to 21 games, to play. We’ve got to have you for 17,” aiming for first place in the conference.

With the season opener on the horizon and the Steelers’ QB room in flux, who will emerge as the ultimate playmaker? Would Wilson’s experience or Fields’ potential, tip the scales for Pittsburgh? Let us know your thoughts.