Tomlin has been at the helm of the Steelers for the past 17 years. One of the longest-reigning head coaches in the NFL at present. And former WR DeSean Jackson believes the duo of Wilson-Tomlin can work wonders because of this one factor.
While many believed that Wilson would thrive under HC Sean Peyton at the Denver Broncos. The team could not make it to the playoffs, with Wilson getting benched in the final two games of the regular season. However, Jackson opined on ‘The 25 10 Show’, that Wilson won’t be limited with Tomlin due to one factor!
Apart from this duo, another thing related to the black community that had the 3X Pro Bowler excited is the backup QB. “And guess what Justin Fields comes right behind it a few days later”, said Jackson about the new arrival, since Fields also shares the same background. However, there is a possibility that both QBs will have to fight it out!
Russell Wilson takes on the young gun
Wilson has made the starting QB rank his own ever since his rookie season. But many analysts expect there will be some sort of competition between the veteran and the youngster for the job at the Steelers.
The 9X Pro Bowler Wilson is predicted to be the starter. However, as in most cases, the final decision will be during the off-season training sessions and the practice games. Only time will tell which QB will come out on top!
Do you think Russell Wilson will win the starting QB role? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Russell Wilson’s status as the No. 1 quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers may not be as locked in as it has been made out to be.
ESPN’s Brooke Pryor noted Wilson is currently tabbed to be the starter when the 2024 regular season begins, but “plans can change.”
There were some questions about Pittsburgh’s plan at quarterback in the immediate aftermath of the team’s acquisition of Justin Fields in a trade with the Chicago Bears.
Per Sports Illustrated‘s Albert Breer, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told Fields that Wilson would be the starter and he would be the backup.
But it’s easy for Tomlin and the coaching staff to say whatever they want in March. It’s another thing entirely when they are watching Wilson and Fields during training camp and practices as the season gets closer.
The Steelers aren’t married to Wilson at all. He’s 35 years old and signed a one-year deal for the veteran minimum of $1.2 million. His stats did rebound last season with the Denver Broncos when he threw for 3,070 yards and 26 touchdowns in 15 starts.
Steven Ruiz of The Ringer noted Wilson only ranked 25th among all quarterbacks in expected points added per dropback, though he did have six touchdowns without an interception on scramble throws.
Fields is 10 years younger than Wilson and has shown an exciting skill set at times in his first three seasons in the NFL. He’s got his own flaws, including taking more sacks than any quarterback in the league over the past three years (135).
Among quarterbacks with at least 500 attempts since 2021, Fields’ 60.3 completion percentage is the fourth-worst, ahead of only Zach Wilson (57.0), Sam Darnold (59.6) and Bryce Young (59.8).
But it’s hard to argue that Fields doesn’t have more upside than Wilson at this stage of their careers. He’s run for 2,220 yards and 14 touchdowns over the past three years. Last season was his best year as a passer with a 61.4 completion percentage, 2,562 yards and 16 touchdowns in 13 starts.
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