“Hard Time Believing”: NFL Analyst Unsure of Mike Tomlin’s Russell Wilson Loyalty as Harsh Reality Beckons for Justin Fields

The Pittsburgh Steelers are experimenting with their quarterbacks, after an overhaul of the position. Following the exit of Kenny Pickett, the franchise now has two popular QBs of the time, Russell Wilson and Justin Fields.

On one hand, many speculated Wilson leading the starter role for his new team, on the other hand, many believed that Fields would get the chance as a starter. But ending all the rumors and doubts, it has recently been reported that the Steelers are believing in the ex-Broncos QB and are choosing him to start for them. But is the decision even? Or is the comparison being made on uneven records?

Should Fields be favored more than Wilson?

In a recent episode of The Rich Eisen Show, ESPN NFL analyst Louis Riddick joined the podcast to talk about Russell Wilson, Justin Fields and their new team – the Pittsburgh Steelers. Riddick mentioned that people are holding on to the image of what Wilson used to be, while comparing it to Fields.

He expressed, “I mean the general consensus here when looking at this situation is what we won’t let go of is, what Russ was, and what we think Justin is already. We won’t let go of it. We have to see it first but the people don’t want to even give Justin a chance to basically prove to them that he can be someone who is continuing to ascend in terms of his development. We don’t even want to give him that chance.”

He also questioned how to manage the quarterback situation in Pittsburgh, especially if Wilson struggles initially. Riddick also expressed skepticism about whether Coach Mike Tomlin would stick with Wilson out of “loyalty” if the team doesn’t perform well.

He said, “I have a hard time believing that he would do that. I really do have a hard time looking, I don’t know, look, Mike may be playing everybody, or the news, so to speak, coming out of Pittsburgh may be just hey look man, we can tell them whatever. I’m not going to really tell them what I’m thinking.” The analyst further stated that the coach may be thinking “to start we have to formulate a depth chart, but we’re gonna give Justin plenty of opportunities here to go ahead and run this new offense.”

He highlighted the need of giving both the quarterbacks ample opportunities to showcase their skills. Furthermore, the 55-year-old broadcaster also touched on Kenny Pickett’s situation, expressing surprise at his desire to leave Pittsburgh due to feeling overlooked in the quarterback competition.

Overall, he emphasized the need for transparency and fairness in the quarterback selection process. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh has already made their decision in bringing Wilson as their starter, and Justin Fields as back-up.

Russell Wilson vs Justin Fields

Although the Steelers have signed two competitive quarterbacks of the league during the first week of free agency, the question is which QB has the potential to lead his team to the win. According to CBS Sports data scientist Stephen Oh, “Fields, not Wilson, gives the Steelers the best chance to win in 2024…..the Steelers’ chances at making the playoffs rose from 25.6% with Wilson starting to 35.9% with Fields under center.” However, besides this percentage, there are other several factors that we need to look at.

First is experience, which is more with Russell. Second is the running ability. Wilson can still run, but not the way he used to when under Seahawks. But the team can rely on Fields in running. The concerning status of Wilson and Fields are the amount of times they have been hit, as surprisingly, they both “tied for the league lead in the amount of times sacked in 2022.” And accuracy is more of a concern for Fields as he made a career-high 61.4% of his passes last season, which is pretty low in today’s percentage standards.

Both the quarterbacks have their own strengths and weaknesses, which they would have to work upon to secure their stint with the franchise.

Read more: Despite Securing “Lamar Jackson”, Pittsburgh Steelers Reportedly Confirm Russell Wilson Intentions Over Justin Fields, Per NFL Insider