Justin Fields, the quarterback for the Steelers, stated on Tuesday that he is “definitely competing” with veteran Russell Wilson for the starting position for the team over the summer.
The Athletic’s Mark Kaboly, a Steelers source, doesn’t think Fields was selling anything.
“The reality of the situation is that — barring injury — there is no chance that Fields will be the starting quarterback over Wilson for the season opener Sept. 8 [at the Atlanta Falcons],” Kaboly stated.
Before acquiring Fields through a trade with the Chicago Bears in March, the Steelers signed Wilson to a deal that was friendly to the franchise. Wilson is apparently impressing Steelers fans with his “relentless work ethic,” and Kaboly hinted that the 35-year-old is leading and starting most organized team activities.
Kaboly went on, “It doesn’t matter how well Fields plays in the spring or summer.” “The Steelers chose Wilson and will see it through, regardless of what coach Mike Tomlin, Wilson or Fields says over the next few months.”
Prior to moving to Steel City, Wilson was connected to both the New York Giants and the Las Vegas Raiders. Since neither he nor Fields have contracts that extend past the 2017 season, some have speculated that the 25-year-old’s chances of playing between the Atlanta game and Week 18 will depend on when rather than if they do.
Wilson is aware that he is the starter, Kaboly stated bluntly. Wilson is the starter, as Tomlin is aware. Fields is also aware that Wilson will start every game from this point until, quite frankly, the end of the season.”
Many pundits, journalists, and other observers think Wilson will succeed in Pittsburgh mostly because offensive coordinator Arthur Smith intends to prominently utilize his rush approach. Kaboly elaborated on why Wilson is the top quarterback in Smith’s system going into training camp.
“The Steelers want to be a downhill running team that uses play-action passes often to pick up chunk yards deep downfield,” Kaboly said. “On passes of 20 yards or more, Wilson’s passer rating was 112.5 last year. When using play action, he completed 67.6 percent of his throws with 10 touchdowns and averaged 7.5 yards per attempt, good for a passer rating of 117.2.”
Wilson was ranked seventh among the betting favorites at +1200 odds to earn Comeback Player of the Year in his debut season with Pittsburgh as of Wednesday afternoon, according to DraftKings Sportsbook. Fields won’t be discussed for CPOTY until later in the offseason, if Kaboly is right.
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