When Russell Wilson was named as the starting QB for the Steelers, Justin Fields promised to work his “butt off,” to earn his place. As it turned out, a calf injury sidelined the veteran Wilson, and Fields got his chance in Week 1. Two games later, Fields proved that he was more than capable of carrying the mantle, and his performance against the Chargers in Week 3, has further enhanced his reputation.

Steelers HC Mike Tomlin picking Wilson over Fields made sense in the first place. Wilson is a nine-time Pro quarterback and helped the Seahawks with whom he spent his first 10 seasons, win Super Bowl XLVIII. On the other hand, Fields was the 11th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Bears and couldn’t live up to the expectations in Chicago. However, his performances in the first three starts for the Steelers have former Super Bowl winner calling Tomlin to change his decision about the starting QB position.

Justin Fields led the charge as the Pittsburgh Steelers secured a 20-10 victory against the Los Angeles Chargers, improving their record to 3-0 this season. Fields completed 25 of 32 passes for 245 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. This followed after impressive displays against the Atlanta Falcons and Denver Broncos in Week 1 and 2 respectively.

Former Steelers safety and Super Bowl XLIII winner Ryan Clark took to X, urging Mike Tomlin, to officially, name Justin Fields the Steelers’ starting quarterback. “ Say it today Mike T!! Justin Fields is our starter in the future. We have found our guy,” the post read, following the team’s commanding win over the Chargers.

“Let’s not play this game anymore. Love Russ, but this isn’t about him. The young man has shown he is capable. What a difference situation makes.” Clark further added. It seems Wilson’s unfortunate injury turned out to be a blessing in disguise for the Steelers and especially Fields. The mood around him starting as a QB has shifted and Clark isn’t the only one who feels the same.

Steelers icon Ben Roethlisberger mentioned that even if Wilson returns soon, Fields should be the first-choice QB for Tomlin. Speaking on the Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger podcast on September 16, he said, “If Russ is healthy, I’m sticking with Justin. I think that he has earned, deserves the right to stay there.”

Roethlisberger added that keeping Fields as the starter would allow Wilson to fully recover from his calf injury. He also mentioned,

Ironically, the circumstances for Fields’ becoming a starter for the Steelers in the opening weeks, are similar to what happened with Roethlisberger 20 years ago. In 2004, Tommy Maddox was the Steelers’ starting QB, and Charlie Batch was second on the depth chart. However, in the Week 2 game against Maddox injured his elbow at the start of the third quarter and backup Charlie Batch was nursing a knee injury. The team handed over the responsibility to the rookie Roethlisberger. While they lost the game, he threw two touchdowns and would go on to win each of his 13 regular season starts.

His comments about Fields came after the first two games where the QB didn’t commit a single turnover. Against the Falcons, he completed 73 percent of his passes for 156 yards and added 57 yards on the ground on 14 carries as the Steelers won 18-10 on the road. In Week Two against Wilson’s former team, the Broncos, Fields ended up with 13 for 20 for 117 yards and threw a touchdown pass.

Fields’ confidence is evident, and his teammates and coaches are taking notice. His ability to remain poised under pressure impressed everyone, especially given his previous success against coach Jim Harbaugh. Fields stated,

Against the Chargers, Fields had his most impressive performance yet, completing 78 percent of his passes for 245 yards. He finished the game with  25 completions in 32 attempts and his 55-yard dagger touchdown pass in the fourth quarter will only help his cause.

So the clamor is there for Fields to become a regular starter taking over from Wilson. But what does HC Tomlin think about it?

Tomlin praises Fields as Steelers’ QB debate heats up

Justin Fields continues to make a strong case as Pittsburgh’s QB1 after leading the Steelers’ win over the Chargers, improving the team to 3-0, a run not seen since 2020. Before the Chargers game, head coach Mike Tomlin, though cautious, praised Fields’ leadership, saying, “We’re readying ourselves around Justin.” But when asked if Fields is now the starter, Tomlin deflected, “Hypotheticals are a waste of time.”

Following his impressive show, Tomlin mentioned, “He’s doing a good job doing what we’re asking him to do, playing and playing to win, and so that’s appreciated.” While the HC is not giving in to the demands to have Fields named as the starter straightaway, the QB is more than happy to do his job and talked about the doubts around his play following his stint with the Bears.

Speaking after the Chargers win he said, “I’m not really worried about that. I’m more so into proving myself. I know what kind of player I am. I’ve been training for this my whole life. At the end of the day, my teammates help me be great.”

Wilson, still recovering, hasn’t returned to practice, leaving Fields the clear front-runner. Even if Wilson is healthy, Tomlin faces a tough decision. The 25-year-old’s performance is making it harder to justify going back to Wilson, as the young QB continues to improve each week.

It looks like the Steelers will keep rolling with him until he gives them a reason not to.