The 2024 season was an attention-grabbing one for the Pittsburgh Steelers. A lot of that was due to their quarterback state of affairs. It felt like Russell Wilson was at all times going to be their starter, however an damage saved him out for the primary six weeks of the season. That gave Justin Fields a possibility to showcase his talents. Whereas Fields carried out properly, main the Steelers to a 4-2 document, he went to the bench as soon as Wilson was wholesome. Trying again at that call, Mike Florio has some criticism for Mike Tomlin.
“He was good final yr with the Steelers,” Florio stated of Fields Thursday on his Professional Soccer Discuss podcast. “Mike Tomlin made the calculation, miscalculation, frankly.
“I’m an enormous Tomlin defender, however he made a mistake pondering that Russell Wilson was going to be the man to get them excessive and take them to the promised land. It didn’t work, and in hindsight, they’d have been higher off letting Fields play the entire yr.”
It’s robust to say for sure whether or not Florio is true or incorrect. The Steelers’ season resulted in catastrophe. They misplaced their closing 4 regular-season video games. Then, they went one-and-done within the postseason once more. All through that point, Fields operated largely as a gadget participant, by no means getting one other shot on the beginning job.
Nonetheless, Wilson wasn’t the only real purpose for the Steelers’ downfall. Their protection fully collapsed, scuffling with miscommunication and missed tackles. Wilson didn’t assist issues, particularly when it got here to pricey turnovers, however Fields won’t have modified Pittsburgh’s destiny.
In his six begins, Fields compiled 1,106 passing yards, 5 passing touchdowns, 5 speeding touchdowns, and just one interception. He didn’t look unhealthy sufficient to warrant being benched. Studies additionally indicated that call largely got here from Tomlin. Whereas Wilson began out properly, he crashed exhausting down the stretch. Nonetheless, Tomlin didn’t return to Fields.
There are some causes to imagine the Steelers would’ve been higher off with Fields beginning, although. Wilson’s deep ball regarded like a greater match for George Pickens, however Fields might need been a greater match for Arthur Smith’s offense general. Allegedly, Wilson and Smith didn’t see eye-to-eye, with the offensive coordinator reportedly preferring Fields.
Due to this fact, the Steelers’ offense would possibly’ve regarded extra fluid if Fields had stayed within the driver’s seat. He wasn’t good, however his speeding means added a dynamic factor that Pittsburgh might’ve benefitted from. With Wilson, the Steelers struggled way more within the crimson zone, and maybe Fields would’ve modified that.
Beginning Fields might’ve additionally probably helped the Steelers maintain him. This offseason, he left them for the New York Jets. Whereas it’s unclear if Pittsburgh’s determination to bench him closely factored into that call, it most likely didn’t assist.
Now, the Steelers are caught ready for Aaron Rodgers. Fields may have an opportunity to show his price to his former staff, too. The Steelers will face the Jets in Week 1, and possibly Fields will present Tomlin why he shouldn’t have been benched.
