Many pundits argue that Justin Fields has performed well enough to remain the Pittsburgh Steelers’ starting quarterback. However, Fields doesn’t share that view.
The 25-year-old quarterback candidly told reporters on October 17 that he hasn’t done enough in the first six weeks of the season to keep his starting role.
“I don’t think I’ve played good enough, to be real with you,” Fields said, as reported by Chris Adamski of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. “If I’m being honest with myself, I think if I did play well enough, there wouldn’t be any question about who should be playing.”
“At the end of the day, we’ve won a few games … But there are areas where I need to improve, and I’m just going to keep working on those and continue to get better.”
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has yet to announce who will start at quarterback in Week 7 against the New York Jets. On October 16, Tomlin told the media that the decision “will remain in-house.”
However, before Tomlin’s October 15 press conference, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that Russell Wilson was “in line to make his season debut” in Week 7. Steelers left tackle Dan Moore confirmed that Wilson began the week practicing with the first-team offense.
Justin Fields’ Mature Response to QB Uncertainty
Tomlin faced a tough decision following Week 6. While Fields has boosted the Steelers’ run game, the team ranks 28th in passing yards per game with him at quarterback.
If Wilson starts, it will likely be to jumpstart the Steelers’ downfield passing attack.
Fields did connect with Calvin Austin III for a 55-yard touchdown in Week 3 and had several close attempts to George Pickens downfield.
Fields Offers a 6-Word Post Ahead of Week 7 Decision
Despite these moments, the Steelers haven’t turned those near misses into consistent big plays with Fields under center. Although Fields has a career-high 66.3% completion rate, he has shown inconsistencies in hitting open receivers.
This left the door open for Wilson to potentially take over the starting job. If Pelissero’s report and the practice reps are any indication, Tomlin may choose Wilson for the Week 7 matchup against the Jets.
Fields Sees Positive Reaction to His Statement
With Wilson expected to start, Fields has garnered support from both the media and Steelers fans for his mature and humble response to the situation.
“Very impressive from Steelers QB Justin Fields. You just don’t hear many players talk like this,” wrote Steelers insider Mark Kaboly.
“This is why the guys in the locker room love Justin Fields,” said NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. “As real as it gets.”
Former players also chimed in.
“Man, what an answer from a guy who is 4-2 and gave them a legitimate chance to be 5-1 right now,” JJ Watt posted on X. “Poise, maturity, class. Hard not to be a fan.”
It’s easy to get caught up in the week-to-week reactions in the NFL, but even if Fields doesn’t play in Week 7, it doesn’t mean his time as a starter in Pittsburgh is over.
Wilson has been dealing with a calf injury since late July, and there’s no guarantee the 35-year-old will stay healthy.
Although Fields may not have performed well enough to secure the starting job long-term, he’s played well enough that if Wilson struggles, Tomlin could easily turn back to him.
The quarterback debate in Pittsburgh won’t end with Week 7, and Fields seems prepared to keep improving for the future.
