Russell Wilson served as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ backup quarterback in Week 6, as Justin Fields led the team to a 32-13 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.
After the game, Wilson took to social media to share a few messages. One was a typical Wilson reaction that fans have seen before.
“Great team win!!!” he posted on Instagram and X. In addition to celebrating the win, Wilson also gave praise to two teammates who made significant contributions in the Week 6 victory.
“Action Jackson,” Wilson said, sharing a Steelers post that highlighted veteran cornerback Donte Jackson’s interception of Raiders QB Aidan O’Connell.
Later, Wilson acknowledged star edge rusher T.J. Watt, reposting a clip of Watt’s second forced fumble of the night. “BEST in the WORLD. @_TJWatt,” Wilson wrote in admiration.
Wilson also shared images on his Instagram story, featuring running back Najee Harris diving into the end zone, kicker Chris Boswell attempting a field goal, and Fields celebrating with a teammate. He tagged each player and added fire and bullseye emojis.
While Fields didn’t have an exceptional passing game in Las Vegas, his QBR on ESPN was notably strong.
To recap, ESPN’s Total Quarterback Rating (Total QBR), which debuted in 2011, evaluates a quarterback’s overall contribution to winning. It considers passes, rushes, turnovers, and penalties, adjusting for the context of each play to more accurately assess quarterback performance.
Fields earned a 74.7 QBR against the Raiders. According to ESPN, a single-game QBR of 75 indicates that, all other factors being equal (defense, offensive teammates, etc.), a quarterback’s team would be expected to win about 75 percent of the time based on that level of play.
A QBR near 75 is also considered “Pro Bowl-level” by ESPN.
However, Fields’ passer rating wasn’t as impressive at 75.9. For context, a perfect passer rating is 158.3. Raiders QB O’Connell finished with a 79.9 passer rating but only a 47.7 QBR, despite leading his team to 13 points.
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin Thought Justin Fields ‘Did a Nice Job’ vs. Raiders
Speaking to the media after Week 6, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin praised Fields’ performance.
“I thought [Fields] did a nice job, especially with making things happen with his legs, managing the game, and protecting the ball,” Tomlin said of his starting quarterback. “He took a few hits, but he’s a tough guy. I’m glad he’s okay, and we’ll keep pushing forward.”
This analysis aligns with the QBR measurement. Though Fields didn’t accumulate many passing yards—completing 14 of 24 passes for 145 yards—he protected the ball, managed the game, and made key plays when needed.
That’s been a pattern for Fields throughout much of the 2024 season. More often than not, he’s been a winner in Pittsburgh.
Whether the Steelers’ offense would perform better with Wilson leading remains to be seen, given Wilson’s reduced mobility. Wilson could get his chance to start soon if Tomlin decides to put him in when the veteran is fully healthy.
