Steelers Nation, we have a bit of good news for you in your ever-expanding QB saga. It’s for those who were upset with Mike Tomlin benching Justin Fields in favor of Russell Wilson and thought it might affect Fields’ future in Pittsburgh. Your 25-year-old QB has since expressed his true desire surrounding his future. And let’s just say your prayers have come true.

Anyone would feel hard done by what the Steelers did to Justin Fields, despite him leading the side to a 4-2 start in Russell Wilson’s absence. Tomlin thought Russ would be a better option and relegated Fields to a backup role with mop-up duties. However, it was not enough for Fields to lose his motivation to stay and fight for his place, possibly beyond this season. Speaking to TribLive, Fields cleared the air on his future, “I want to be here. I’m kind of tired of learning a new offense every year. This will be my third in four years. Of course, I’d love to be back.”

After getting picked by the Bears as their 11th overall in 2021, Fields spent 3 seasons as a starter in Windy City. But his 10-28 record didn’t allow him to build a case for himself in Chicago. So the Bears ended up trading their first-round pick to the Steelers in exchange for a conditional sixth-round 2025 draft pick. Fields led superbly in his first six starts in Pittsburgh, racking up 1,106 yards and 5 TDs on the air. Even his running capabilities were on full display as Fields rushed for 289 yards and added 5 more TDs.

But the moment Russ came back from his calf injury, Fields was subjected to sparing roles here and there. Against the Ravens, he had 2 carries for 17 yards. Then, the following week, Fields ran for 26 yards on 3 carries. Now, his 7-yard rush against the Bengals helped the Steelers win a high-scoring game 44-38.

Well, the former Bears QB never really complained and instead called it a valuable learning experience: “Watching from the sideline. I think I learned a lot in that time. It changes your perspective. Of course, I’d like to be out there on the field. But I think I’ll look back on this year one day and it’ll all be because of a reason.” Now, that reason could probably come true sooner rather than later since Mike Tomlin delivered a strict message to Justin Fields’ competitor, Russell Wilson.

Mike Tomlin issues a warning to Russell Wilson and Co.

Where did all go wrong for the Steelers after their week 13 win over Cincinnati? Scoring 44 points while throwing 410 yards, the Steelers’ offense under Russell Wilson was at their best a few weeks back. From then on, everything has gone south for Russ and Co. The Steelers have only thrown 467 yards while scoring just 40 points and losing all three of their games. But Tomlin is worried about only one thing before his team enters the postseason, “Take care of the football and stay on schedule.” 

Top Comment by Gunslinger

Justin should get the opportunity

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Now, we don’t really need to explain what Tomlin tried to point out. Turnovers are the biggest issue, which has culminated in the Steelers’ implosion in their last 3 games. They have turned the ball over a whopping 5 times within that period along with Wilson getting intercepted twice and the Steelers fumbling at crucial moments. It all started with Najee Harris fumbling the ball at the Eagles 26-yard line that was returned for a TD. With the Steelers trailing by just seven points in the second half, it took the game away from them.

Next up against the Ravens, Russ didn’t just fumble early into the clash. He also threw a pick-six to Marlon Humphrey, thereby losing the chance of wrapping up the AFC North title. And last week on Christmas, Wilson threw an interception trying to find Pat Freiermuth in the end zone. It changed the flow of the game, and the Steelers never really looked settled after that.

So, Tomlin pointing out his biggest concern just on the eve of playoffs is the right approach, to say the least. If Russell Wilson and his offense don’t learn from their mistakes soon, it might be too late for them once the postseason arrives.