Making a choice is an essential part of life. But it becomes even harder when both options are equally efficient, right? As we all know, the Pittsburgh Steelers are facing a similar situation. They are at a crossroads where they need to choose between their present QB Justin Fields and veteran Russell Wilson, who is expected to return from his calf injury during week 5’s game. Like many others who commented on the Steelers’ current quarterback situation, former Broncos‘ Guard Mark Schlereth has dished out his take on this situation and it is, as one would expect from Schlereth’s past comments, not in Wilson’s favor.

In the latest episode of his The Stinkin Truth podcast, Schlereth didn’t mince words about his feelings on Russell Wilson starting for the Steelers. The 58-year-old said, “The Pittsburgh Steelers are better with Justin Fields (as a) quarterback than they are with Russell Wilson (as a) quarterback”. For Schlereth, Fields has been the key for the Steelers’ strong 3-1 start. According to him, their possession game has been top-notch and their running game has helped take excessive pressure off the defense. This, in turn, has helped the defense do their part of the job perfectly.

The former Redskins guard mentioned that the Steelers’ HC Mike Tomlin is a “defensive-minded coach” who knows that the best way to keep the defense fresh and working is to keep the possession of the ball as much as possible in the game, which is what Justin Fields currently is helping the team do.

However, Schlereth voiced his concern over Russell Wilson effectively contributing to this same strategy, stating that the veteran QB might fail to help the team like Fields. He said, “You put Russell Wilson in there all this sudden and he’s not running the ball and it doesn’t affect your run game. And he’s going three and out and he’s taking sacks. Guess what happens? That defense eventually, the Battle of attrition happens. That defense starts to lose some of its stingers. And all of a sudden you become a very average football team.”

Schlereth’s concerns are valid. The Steelers’ possession game has been one of their strong areas this season. Carrying the ball for almost 33-34 minutes of the game has surely helped the team’s defense from facing pressure and has helped them be effective against strong attacks. However, Wilson, who is at the wrong end of his 30s and returning from a calf injury, might not be as productive for the Steelers in their running game as Fields.

Now, it’s not in our hands to decide whom the Steelers’ hierarchy chooses as their starting QB once Wilson returns. We ultimately need to wait and see if Tomlin keeps things as they are running with Fields. Or if he trusts the 35-year-old to contribute similarly to the team and give him the spot.

Mike Tomlin hints at continuing Justin Fields as starting QB as Russell Wilson nears being a full practice participant

Steelers HC Mike Tomlin has hinted at his plans to continue Justin Fields as the team’s starting QB. The competition within the Steelers’ locker room for being the team’s starting QB is fierce now that Russell Wilson is nearing to be a full practice participant. However, Fields is still a part of Tomlin’s plans as his first-choice quarterback to lead the Steelers up front.

In Tuesday’s press conference, Tomlin was asked if Fields’ current form could keep his hold on the starting position despite Wilson’s current progress in recovery. The HC answered, “There is a potential for that. But we’re not there as I stand here today.” He was then asked what the 25-year-old must do to keep his starting job. Tomlin replied, “Just play well. Win. That’s our business.”

This season has been a remarkable one for Fields so far. Replacing Wilson, the young QB has 830 passing yards, and 3 passing touchdowns. He also has 145 rushing yards and 3 rushing touchdowns in the first four weeks. Once added, it comes to 975 yards and 6 touchdowns, with a 71% completion rate.

During the team’s Week 4 loss against the Indianapolis Colts, Fields became the first player in the Steelers’ history to record 300 passing yards, 50 rushing yards, and 2 rushing touchdowns and also completed 22 of 34 passes with one touchdown.