Ah, 5’11” for a quarterback… Not exactly a scouting dream, huh? I mean, that’s even shorter than Drew Brees, who set the gold standard for “short QBs.” But Russell Wilson has been defying those odds for 13 seasons, and at 36, he’s still out there, fighting the good fight. The real question is, how much longer can he keep it up? After four straight losses, Steelers fans are asking the inevitable from Mike Tomlin: is it time for Justin Fields? Oh, Steel City, your reactions… sigh! But let’s not pretend this is all unwarranted drama.

Here’s the thing: Wilson’s leadership has been one of Pittsburgh’s strong points, even if the transition into the postseason feels like a bad rerun. The quarterback position has been lacking leadership since Ben Roethlisberger called it a career two years ago. Look at the 2023 season. 25-year-old Kenny Pickett had the responsibility of leading the offensive unit, which was also around 25. However, Pickett’s resume does have the weight that can generate a sense of reverence. On the contrary, Wilson’s biggest assets are his proven track record and decades of experience in brushing up his leadership skills. Maybe that is what also made Mike turn to him, although he was never explicit about it.

“I just think leadership is a component of the position,” Tomlin said. “We can’t talk about effective quarterback play without acknowledging the leadership component of it, and he’s been highly effective for a long time in this league and … that has been a component of his [Wilson] profile. I’m sure that he has worked to perfect it over that time and is thoughtful about how he utilizes his impact on one team, on his teammates and circumstances,” Tomlin had said last year. Now, recently waived Steelers WR Duece Watts spilled some tea about this aspect of Wilson and his impact on the locker room dynamics.

In his exclusive interview with the Steelers Takeaway Watts said, “Day one, he let everyone know he was there to work… Russ would come up to guys when we were talking and ask to get extra work in. He let us know he was there to lead and take over the job.” According to him, Wilson hit the ground running, showing up early, staying late, and making it clear that he was there to lead.

Contrast that with Justin Fields, who, as Watts pointed out, isn’t exactly the rah-rah vocal type. Leadership? Advantage Russ. Notably, Mike Tomlin also thought that this is something that Fields could look to imbibing from Wilson. “Russell is a veteran, man. He’s got a proven process of readiness. He’s been in this league a long time. He can rally troops, receivers, tight ends, running backs, etc. He’s just got a lot of experience in terms of what it takes to be the guy throughout a 12-month calendar. And I just think that that’s something that a young guy like Justin could learn from,” according to Tomlin.

But hold up—does this CHAT under the center always translate to wins? That’s the million-dollar question (or maybe $30–40 million, if Russ gets his way with a new contract). So, the thing is, they were 10-3 at one point this season. A redemption arc for Wilson and a potential Coach of the Year nod for Mike Tomlin. It was as if everything was sorted.

But then came a brutal 11-day stretch: the Eagles, Ravens, and Chiefs. It was a proving ground, and the Steelers flopped. Three losses later, their AFC North hopes were toast. However, a gut-wrenching 19-17 loss to the Bengals was the worst. It was déjà vu for them, who found themselves as a scrappy No. 6 seed heading into the postseason. Sounds familiar? Think 2005, baby.

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Start Fields, see how it goes

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The Steelers fell to 7-5 back then before winning 3 on the trot to get the No. 6 seed. So far, similar… But if we are not mixing it up, Jerome Bettis’ squad went on to win the SB XL. A perfect end to the tumultuous postseason run. And Russ knows how big that was, and he does not want to lose the spot. So what does he do? Wilson called up Bettis for some wisdom.

“This week is the only week that matters,” the legend reportedly told him. It’s the kind of advice that makes you want to run through a brick wall—or maybe just a Baltimore defense that’s a 9.5-point favorite. Either way, Russ is channeling his inner “Bus” energy, hoping history repeats itself. Can Pitts hope for that? Well, hoping and dreaming are free of cost. And yes, they can! However, a decision needs to be made and pronto.

So, is it time for Justin Fields? Maybe, maybe not. There is a strong side that feels like it.

‘Russell Wilson or Justin Fields?’ wasn’t on Mike Tomlin’s bingo card

Mike Tomlin’s response to the QB conundrum? He’s playing it cool. “I’m certainly open to utilizing Justin. He has an awesome skill set,” Tomlin said. Translation: anything and everything is on the table. A Fields package, some gadget plays, or maybe even a full QB switch—whatever it takes to beat Baltimore. And let’s face it, when the Ravens are looming, you don’t hold back. You play to win, period.

But here’s the problem: Pittsburgh’s offense isn’t just stalling; it’s dead in the water. Four straight games without cracking 17 points? That’s historically bad—even by the low bar of the Matt Canada era. The once-reliable Steelers’ offense looks like it forgot how to shift out of neutral, and the timing couldn’t be worse.

The criticism around sticking with Wilson is mounting. His recent numbers? Brutal. Over the last four games, Russ has averaged just 174.5 yards per game, with four touchdowns, two picks, and some head-scratching late-game decisions.

Remember that drive against Cincy where he didn’t step out of bounds to save time? Even Big Ben weighed in, saying, “Get out of bounds and save the time.” It’s like watching a veteran QB forget the basics. Meanwhile, Justin Fields is waiting in the wings with a spark the offense desperately needs. Fields is 4-2 as a starter this season and has flashed his dual-threat ability.

In just six starts, he’s rushed for 289 yards and five touchdowns, showing he can create plays when nothing else is working. And with Baltimore’s defense prepping for Wilson’s drop-back style, Fields’ mobility could be the curveball Pittsburgh needs.

Look at the numbers: Wilson is 6-5 in 2024 with 33 sacks, while Fields has a cleaner stat line and fewer turnovers. The Steelers are staring down a near double-digit underdog role against the Ravens, so why not swing for the fences? Rolling with Fields might just catch Baltimore off guard.

Tomlin hasn’t committed yet, but the question is clear: do you ride with the struggling vet or throw the young gun into the fire? Either way, it’s win-or-go-home. Your move, Pittsburgh.