The controversial decision to bench quarterback Justin Fields in favor of nine-time Pro Bowl signal-caller Russell Wilson was made this week by Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. As he recovered from a calf injury, the Super Bowl XLVIII champion missed the first six weeks of the 2024 season. Fields went 4-2 in his place, giving the Steelers a six-week lead in the AFC North.
Many Pittsburgh supporters don’t agree with Tomlin’s assessment of his decision. Wilson’s awful pass to wide receiver Calvin Austin to start the second quarter against the New York Jets on Sunday Night Football swiftly “confirmed” their suspicions.
Steelers fans blast Russel Wilson’s 1st half performance
Because of the Steelers’ early success, supporters aren’t giving Wilson much time to get back into the swing of things. Even impartial observers, such as Skip Bayless, a former ESPN/FOX Sports commentator, noted that Wilson was a little slow right away.
Mike Tomlin debating his life choices after starting Russell Wilson over Fields. #NYJvsPIT pic.twitter.com/9mYILnlq8k
— Rate the Refs App (@Rate_the_Refs) October 21, 2024
Wilson had a worrisome start, but he seemed to settle in the second quarter. His first touchdown pass as Pittsburgh’s quarterback came on a well-thrown fade route to George Pickens on second-and-10 from the Jets’ 11-yard line.
Russ looks washed.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) October 21, 2024
Russ needs to retire
— She Hate Me (@D46houston) October 21, 2024
During the Steelers’ first drive of the second half, Wilson kept cooking. He picked up 21 more yards on a pass to tight end Pat Freiermuth after finding Pickens for a 37-yard gain. After Pittsburgh’s drive finally halted inside New York’s 5-yard line, kicker Chris Boswell’s 21-yard field goal attempt gave them the lead again. He ultimately changed the course of events by leading the Steelers to a resounding victory over the Jets, 37–15.
