Despite a controversial quarterback change ahead of Week 7 of the NFL season, the Pittsburgh Steelers now have a 5-2 record and look like they might be legitimate Super Bowl contenders with head coach Mike Tomlin bringing in Russell Wilson for Justin Fields.
The decision came off the back of Fields and the Steelers offense scoring 32 points in a win over the Las Vegas Raiders, Tomlin opted to bench him for Wilson – who had returned to full health after being hampered by a hamstring injury.
The call had been criticized by many, including FOX Sports’ Terry Bradshaw who had been baffled by the decision. “I totally disagree with this decision by Mike Tomlin,” Bradshaw said. “I would stay with Fields. Fields fits this team’s personality. They like to run the football. He’s a big strong running quarterback, athletic enough, but also a guy that can move the football through the air. I don’t understand the move.”
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However, Tomlin’s decision was proved to be the smart one, with Wilson leading the Steelers to the team’s most complete offensive performance while scoring three touchdowns to no interceptions and throwing for an impressive 264 yards. While Fields had been the starter in impressive victories, the Steelers had been led by their defense, with the quarterback failing to get the best out of their emerging star receiver George Pickens – who had his biggest day of the season with Wilson.
Bradshaw was left with egg on his face after doubting the former Super Bowl winner, who had already told critics heading into the season his target was nothing less than a Lombardi championship with Pittsburgh – thus following in the footsteps of Bradshaw. The 76-year-old spent his entire NFL career with the Steelers, winning the Super Bowl four times.
After signing for the Steelers back in March, Wilson told reporters why he joined the team, stating: “I wanted to be able to win championships with Coach Tomlin and these guys in the locker room. It’s a great place to be grateful for the opportunity to be able to get after it and do what we came here to do. And that’s to win football games.”
Russell Wilson looked back to his best against the Jets on “Sunday Night Football” (
Getty Images)
He added: “I come in with the mindset of just being the best version of me every day. I think that’s always the plan. What we’re trying to do is for me, I want to help our football team win. I think that’s the job of the quarterback role is to help the Pittsburgh Steelers win and that’s always been the goal every day. And so the goal is to get more trophies and to do everything we can to win.”
Despite their offensive struggles prior to Wilson stepping in, the aforementioned defense has given the team a high-floor to work off, while being atop of their division heading into week 8 of the season – being seen among the favorites to compete in the playoffs this year.
After defeating the New York Jets in prime time this past weekend, the Steelers will once again have a premiere slot when they face the New York Giants on “Monday Night Football” – in what will be another chance to make a statement.
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