dipandglide
Footballguy
Tomlin isn't rolling Wilson out this week, but it's clear Field's leash is short. Fields needs to be better if he wants to continue starting games in 2024
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QB Justin Fields, NYJ (4 Viewers)
- Thread starter Faust
- Start date
barackdhouse
Footballguy
I figured you would.
barackdhouse
Footballguy
I think that's fair. The way I read the presser was that both QBs have strengths and weaknesses and it's time to let Russ continue his rehab which means some likely 1st team reps this week. He really made a point out of saying nothing is decided at this point.
To be clear my take is that I am betting they start Fields not that Tomlin implied that with his words. But the idea that someone read that Wilson is going to be taking over is frankly laughable to me. Situation might say Wilson gets the nod but that PC did not.
barackdhouse
Footballguy
Yeah I agree.
barackdhouse
Footballguy
Surely this is based on you read of the situation as a whole and not from this press conference right? You know I respect your sense of what the Steelers are doing/not doing but there is no way to have read that from this PC. If it's based on a longer trend of info, I can take your word for that and agree to disagree but you did watch this right?
N Zone
Footballguy
I think Fields will still start and he should. I base this on what Fields brings to the QB position and what he's accomplished so far with the Steelers, and on his work ethic and ability to get his teammates on his side. Disclaimer: I have both Fields and Russell Wilson on my FF Team.
Beat and national writer reports and what I've felt was Tomlin has wanted to go with Wilson so that part does fit the longer trend of info.
I'm not even here to say tell you defiantly that Fields has no shot of starting this week. I'm not sure, some of you seem to be but I'm sure not. But my belief right now is Wilson will start and Fields will have a package of plays.
barackdhouse
Footballguy
yeah that's all good I wouldn't be shocked if that played out that way though I def would bet on Fields. My main point has been that I'm somewhat astonished that Tomlin really didn't say anything suggesting Wilson was gonna be the guy on any level. Nor did he endorse Fields but the reporting on this is sudden and dramatic and very misguided IMO. It's pretty hard to read that Wilson is going to be the starter if just going off that PC, which the entire sports reporting world has absolutely ran with.
But I also know that beat reporters often have that inside info and it often carries quite a bit more clout. Unfortunately I've seen that go both ways in terms of beat reporters/team reporters that had an agenda and it wasn't based on the truth nor was it based on a wise understanding of the game. Again, I know you are plugged into beats that you trust, so...
There is also another take, which for some reason is what I think I took away from the PC, that Tomlin truly is going to let their play with the ball (this week I guess) dictate how it plays out and that he does not know at this moment. And it's actually for that reason that I think it will be Fields resoundingly. Because he is at least decent at playing football and continuing to ascend and improve each year and each week and Wilson is terrible at football now. Ok kidding on that last sentence but my hatred of Wilson is well documented at this point. I see the same flaws with Fields that others see but I'm not sure how much others realize how washed Wilson is. And as I've said many many times an absolute nutjob and on that part I'm not kidding. Like I said 4:1 Fields starts but if I'm right and even if he lights it up vs the Jets I would put Wilson's chances a skosh higher in week 8 simply because that's the process? It's too early this week IMO.
Hot Sauce Guy
Footballguy
“Better to be first than right” Is modern sports journalism 101.
Hot Sauce Guy
Footballguy
There’s yet another possibility: maybe Tomlin wants the Jets to have to plan for either QB.
Now, I’m not sure having to prepare for Wilson would be a challenge (the D would be licking their chops) but they’re totally different types of QB at this point. If you’re prepping for Wilson I’m guessing you’re not committing g a spy to him as you likely would with Fields.
That alone is a huge factor. So who knows, maybe Tomlin leaked a little something to Peliasaro to hint it might be Russ.
Wouldn’t be the 1st HC to employ such shenanigans. Wouldn’t be the last.
BLOCKED_PUNT
Footballguy
What if Tomlin just thinks that Russ is a better play this week since he has a little more experience than Feilds?
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The General
Footballguy
Great fantasy player...limited as a real QB. It's a shame because those rushing yards and TD's are gold.
Hot Sauce Guy
Footballguy
Hot Sauce Guy
Footballguy
MFL has him at 17.20
nittanylion
Footballguy
Perhaps I'm 'misremembering', but wasn't it reported by reputable sources early in the '24 offseason that Tomlin has notably admired Fields since he entered the League, and has always desired to work with him?
Also, wasn't the timeline involving the acquisition of Fields/Wilson along the lines of:
1. Steelers heavily pursuing Fields; pursuit going nowhere.
2. Needing to do something, with time to prep for '24 Season running out, they sign cheap Wilson as a short term solution, so they at least have someone mannng the pivot in '24.
3. Unexpectedly, talks with Bears heat up again; Steelers acquire original target, Fields.
IMHO, Wilson has always been the consolation prize. It just worked out that the Steelers got their man late in the game, after they'd already signed off on a short-term contingency plan.
I think Wilson is washed, a relative shell of his former self, and the Player he is now is going to be in peril trying to run an offense behind that O-Line.
Fields is certainly an experiment, presently in the crucible, outcome yet to be determined, but one the Steelers would love to work out the way they've envisioned, given his age and skill set.
I also think the Steelers top brass' primary focus for '24 has much more to do with seeing if Fields is capable of living up to his potential, and being a long term answer at QB for them.
Any success that might come along with that, this year, is just icing on the cake.
To borrow a familiar OG Shark Pool phrase: this is all a ploy to motivate...Justin Fields.
Also, wasn't the timeline involving the acquisition of Fields/Wilson along the lines of:
1. Steelers heavily pursuing Fields; pursuit going nowhere.
2. Needing to do something, with time to prep for '24 Season running out, they sign cheap Wilson as a short term solution, so they at least have someone mannng the pivot in '24.
3. Unexpectedly, talks with Bears heat up again; Steelers acquire original target, Fields.
IMHO, Wilson has always been the consolation prize. It just worked out that the Steelers got their man late in the game, after they'd already signed off on a short-term contingency plan.
I think Wilson is washed, a relative shell of his former self, and the Player he is now is going to be in peril trying to run an offense behind that O-Line.
Fields is certainly an experiment, presently in the crucible, outcome yet to be determined, but one the Steelers would love to work out the way they've envisioned, given his age and skill set.
I also think the Steelers top brass' primary focus for '24 has much more to do with seeing if Fields is capable of living up to his potential, and being a long term answer at QB for them.
Any success that might come along with that, this year, is just icing on the cake.
To borrow a familiar OG Shark Pool phrase: this is all a ploy to motivate...Justin Fields.
Big Nate
Footballguy
If Russ was 100% the starter before injury and now he is healthy then he goes back to starter. If Russ doesn't do well they can always fall back on Fields. Probably for the better going against the NYJ defense.
Don't think this is correct, think it was more like they were able to acquire Fields for cheap and said value was too good to pass up.
Judge Smails
Footballguy
Russ will take SO many sacks.
Big Nate
Footballguy
Unlimited sacks
pollardsvision
Footballguy
I tend to believe Russ will get the start Sunday.
Steelers are 4-2, but it's not because of Fields or the offense.
If Tomlin is talking about a possible change, and giving some 1st team reps to Russ, then I think it's clear there's something about Fields he's not sold on. Which wouldn't be a shock because 31 other teams felt the same way in the off-season when Fields was given away for free.
If given a shot, I'm sure Russ will flop and Fields will get another shot (and be great for fantasy).
But the timing is highly problematic.
Week 7 either Russ starts or Fields plays the Jets in a terrible match-up. Even if you are fine throwing Fields out there, there's a good chance the offense is terrible and a mid-game switch is possible. Tomlin has already opened the door.
Week 8 against the Giants. Fine. But if Russ gets the start or comes in mid-game in Week 7, they probably will give him one more shot even if/when he stinks.
Week 9. Bye. Another reason I think Tomlin might be serious. Gives him 2 weeks to see how Russ does before getting a real lean going into the bye.
But for Fields' fantasy purposes, it seems incredibly possible/likely that he will have zero value until week 10. At which point, he could be a league-winner, but it's still 3 important weeks.
If you've got the room, great, but it could be a tough pill to swallow.
Steelers are 4-2, but it's not because of Fields or the offense.
If Tomlin is talking about a possible change, and giving some 1st team reps to Russ, then I think it's clear there's something about Fields he's not sold on. Which wouldn't be a shock because 31 other teams felt the same way in the off-season when Fields was given away for free.
If given a shot, I'm sure Russ will flop and Fields will get another shot (and be great for fantasy).
But the timing is highly problematic.
Week 7 either Russ starts or Fields plays the Jets in a terrible match-up. Even if you are fine throwing Fields out there, there's a good chance the offense is terrible and a mid-game switch is possible. Tomlin has already opened the door.
Week 8 against the Giants. Fine. But if Russ gets the start or comes in mid-game in Week 7, they probably will give him one more shot even if/when he stinks.
Week 9. Bye. Another reason I think Tomlin might be serious. Gives him 2 weeks to see how Russ does before getting a real lean going into the bye.
But for Fields' fantasy purposes, it seems incredibly possible/likely that he will have zero value until week 10. At which point, he could be a league-winner, but it's still 3 important weeks.
If you've got the room, great, but it could be a tough pill to swallow.
Hot Sauce Guy
Footballguy
This is provably false.
Fields literally just scored 2 RuT against the Raiders. That’s 14 points He put on the board, plus he again didn’t turn the ball over.
He’s only been sacked 16 times behind a line that’s like a screen door - he’s done that with athleticism to extend plays. He’s converted with his legs & arm to extend drives. He’s only thrown 1 pick.
You don’t give Fields any credit for their 4-2 record?
Last year Russell Wilson led the league in sacks taken. If he starts SNF against the Jets it’s going to be a ****show.
VikingFrog
Footballguy
Yeah. This is crazy to me that they are thinking of sitting a guy that has them at 4-2 and close to 1 loss if the defense wouldn’t have given up a late TD to the cowboys. And who passed for 300+ yards with a TD, no interceptions, and rushed for another 50+ and two TDs against the Colts in their other loss.This is provably false.
Fields literally just scored 2 RuT against the Raiders. That’s 14 points He put on the board, plus he again didn’t turn the ball over.
He’s only been sacked 16 times behind a line that’s like a screen door - he’s done that with athleticism to extend plays. He’s converted with his legs & arm to extend drives. He’s only thrown 1 pick.
You don’t give Fields any credit for their 4-2 record?
Last year Russell Wilson led the league in sacks taken. If he starts SNF against the Jets it’s going to be a ****show.
It’s so bonkers I can’t even explain it.
I don’t own Fields anywhere. So I have no fantasy bias here. Just seems like a dumb move to confuse/lose the locker room.
Hot Sauce Guy
Footballguy
To be fair, they still haven’t actually named a starter for Sunday’s game yet.Yeah. This is crazy to me that they are thinking of sitting a guy that has them at 4-2 and close to 1 loss if the defense wouldn’t have given up a late TD to the cowboys. And who passed for 300+ yards with a TD, no interceptions, and rushed for another 50+ and two TDs against the Colts in their other loss.This is provably false.
Fields literally just scored 2 RuT against the Raiders. That’s 14 points He put on the board, plus he again didn’t turn the ball over.
He’s only been sacked 16 times behind a line that’s like a screen door - he’s done that with athleticism to extend plays. He’s converted with his legs & arm to extend drives. He’s only thrown 1 pick.
You don’t give Fields any credit for their 4-2 record?
Last year Russell Wilson led the league in sacks taken. If he starts SNF against the Jets it’s going to be a ****show.
It’s so bonkers I can’t even explain it.
I don’t own Fields anywhere. So I have no fantasy bias here. Just seems like a dumb move to confuse/lose the locker room.
It may still be fields. They could come out and say after a week of practice Wilson doesn’t look ready. Or maybe Wilson‘s calf magically has a “setback” in practice to save everyone face.
People point to the stats and say that Fields hasn’t been great in the air, but by that token people might want to check out how many drops Pickens has that hit him in the hands.
Personally, I’m just shocked that the Steelers weren’t in on Amari Cooper or Davante Adams. At least as far as has been reported…
I still think they might go with fields this week. Either that or they’re gonna let Russell get killed by the Jets. It would be a much more entertaining game if field starts though. Likely help their chances of going five and two instead of four and three as well.
I'm pro-Fields here and think he's a much better option than Wilson. And I agree the line/receivers have done Fields no favors. But the Steelers are the 20th highest scoring team in the league while giving up the 2nd fewest points. So I'd have to think the D is the main reason for the 4-2 record.
GreenNGold
Footballguy
I agree with this and would personally prefer to see Fields continue to start, however, I believe all of the official talk coming out of Pittsburgh since the pre-season is that Wilson is the starter when healthy, and it doesn't sound like they have seen enough to change their minds on that. They seem to think Wilson is still better, I guess we will find out soon.
Hot Sauce Guy
Footballguy
There’s some serious disconnect between the notion of benching Fields, and reading a paragraph like this one:
yeah, let’s bench that dude. For the 36 y/o immobile weirdo who hasn’t played a single snap this year.
Wait what?!
yeah, let’s bench that dude. For the 36 y/o immobile weirdo who hasn’t played a single snap this year.
Wait what?!
pollardsvision
Footballguy
I really don't disagree with you.This is provably false.
Fields literally just scored 2 RuT against the Raiders. That’s 14 points He put on the board, plus he again didn’t turn the ball over.
He’s only been sacked 16 times behind a line that’s like a screen door - he’s done that with athleticism to extend plays. He’s converted with his legs & arm to extend drives. He’s only thrown 1 pick.
You don’t give Fields any credit for their 4-2 record?
Last year Russell Wilson led the league in sacks taken. If he starts SNF against the Jets it’s going to be a ****show.
Fields has been absolutely solid. He hasn't made mistakes. This start has been pretty much everything you'd hope for.
But the only time this offense has scored 3 TDs was against the Colts and Raiders (who just traded away their best player in conference because they know this season is toast).
Russ absolutely will not make it better.
But Tomlin wanted Russ even when FIelds was available for nothing. He named Russ the starter. That took a hiccup when Russ got hurt, and Fields went 3-0. Tomlin has acted like he wants to give Russ a shot.
And now he's REALLY acting like he wants to give Russ a shot.
I really thought Fields would get a shot and the coaching staff would get enamored, and it would be the Fields show until further notice.
But if just really seems like that's not what's happened.
Drake Hater
Footballguy
Art Smith + Russell Wilson + a below average receiver corps just seems like a recipe for helping Rodgers and the Jets get back on track.
barackdhouse
Footballguy
Any practice reports today?
The General
Footballguy
I saw Russell was taking 1st team snaps.
All the insider types are saying Russ will start. We will see.
barackdhouse
Footballguy
barackdhouse
Footballguy
The political pressure could be a factor as well.... if they bench Fields he will be the 1st QB in the SB era to be benched after starting 4-2 if not due to injury
www.behindthesteelcurtain.com
Breer: ‘So many’ within Steelers organization want Justin Fields to be the starter
It appears that the quarterback change isn’t a popular choice.
www.behindthesteelcurtain.com
VikingFrog
Footballguy
So what you are trying to say is, “Let Russ Cook!”
another post in need of the laugh emoji
In the 2021 draft, Mike Tomlin was reportedly very interested in Justin Fields but couldn't draft him due to a lower pick. Fast forward to 2024, and Russell Wilson becomes a Steeler, with the Broncos covering his entire contract except for $1.3 million. Russell turns 36 in November of that year.
Meanwhile, Kenny Pickett isn't happy. He doesn't want to compete against a declining Russell Wilson; he’d rather compete against Jalen Hurts. This leads to the Steelers trading Kenny to the Eagles for a third-round pick, which turns out to be Peyton Wilson.
With Kenny gone, the Steelers need a backup QB, and Justin Fields falls right into their lap. Justin joins the Steelers in 2024 for a conditional sixth-round pick in 2025, which could turn into a fourth-round pick if he plays in 11 more quarters. Ryan Poles receives some criticism for not securing a higher pick, but the Eagles were also in the mix for Justin and ended up settling for Kenny.
There's speculation that Russell Wilson's PR team is orchestrating all this. However, reports suggest the Steelers' front office isn't on the same page. Another theory is that Arthur and Mike see the Jets' defense as a tough challenge. They prefer Justin but want to see what Russell can do against a top-tier defense. They give Russell his shot, and if he struggles, Justin will step in to save the day.
Meanwhile, Kenny Pickett isn't happy. He doesn't want to compete against a declining Russell Wilson; he’d rather compete against Jalen Hurts. This leads to the Steelers trading Kenny to the Eagles for a third-round pick, which turns out to be Peyton Wilson.
With Kenny gone, the Steelers need a backup QB, and Justin Fields falls right into their lap. Justin joins the Steelers in 2024 for a conditional sixth-round pick in 2025, which could turn into a fourth-round pick if he plays in 11 more quarters. Ryan Poles receives some criticism for not securing a higher pick, but the Eagles were also in the mix for Justin and ended up settling for Kenny.
There's speculation that Russell Wilson's PR team is orchestrating all this. However, reports suggest the Steelers' front office isn't on the same page. Another theory is that Arthur and Mike see the Jets' defense as a tough challenge. They prefer Justin but want to see what Russell can do against a top-tier defense. They give Russell his shot, and if he struggles, Justin will step in to save the day.
JohnnyU
Footballguy
Big Nate
Footballguy
I'm actively picking up a QB. The other thing that worries me if Fields does start, is he could get pulled against a rough Jets D and they put in Russ.
If it was just Fields I'd be ok playing him but with Russ healthy and a tough match-up I'm likely looking elsewhere this year (for redraft).
Man In The Box
Footballguy
Tua manager in my 14 teamer dropped him last week so I dropped Fields for him. Might be a mistake but I wasn’t starting Fields this week anyway. This just seems like it’s going to be a headache that’s not worth risking. Sucks for us that used him the past few weeks. Getting top 10 fantasy production for free was gold for me in that league.
The General
Footballguy
12 teamer, redraft. I have dropped him. Don’t want to mess around with this Sunday.
Jets weren’t a great matchup anyways. If Tomlin stops jerking around and says he’s the guy I’ll see if I can get him back and weigh my options.
The General
Footballguy
Desert_Power
Footballguy
So they are going to put in a QB who can't throw or run anymore, but might remember how to read defenses? And he's going to take that read of the defense and do what with it?
The General
Footballguy
Russ can’t run as well but he can throw better than Fields I think. Not sure why they’d go away from what they have at the moment but who really knows what’s up with Tomlin.
I wonder if he rolled out and scrambled at times when he should have just thrown it.
I haven't been a big fan but he's been pretty good this year and I wouldn't have benched him.
I'm afraid Tomlin holds Wilson in a higher regard than his older age play dictates.
He'll bark at Pickens if need be. I'm curious about that too.
I haven't been a big fan but he's been pretty good this year and I wouldn't have benched him.
I'm afraid Tomlin holds Wilson in a higher regard than his older age play dictates.
He'll bark at Pickens if need be. I'm curious about that too.
Desert_Power
Footballguy
Disagree that he throws better than Fields at this stage. There is really no evidence from his time in Denver to support it.
