A couple of weeks ago, Mike Tomlin named Russell Wilson the Steelers starting quarterback for the season opener against the Falcons.
It wasn’t exactly a surprise. Even though Justin Fields is younger and a more electric player, Wilson can obviously run Arthur Smith’s offense more effectively or he wouldn’t have gotten the job.
However, a wrinkle developed yesterday when reports surfaced of Wilson experiencing calf tightness, leading some to speculate that the Steelers might roll with Fields against the Falcons.
Atlanta’s defense might face Wilson or Fields, but Falcons defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake told media members that they’ll be ready for any scenario.
#Falcons defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake on the Steelers QB situation: "We are definitely ready for all scenarios."
— Marc Raimondi (@marcraimondi) September 5, 2024
On the surface, they’re somewhat similar quarterbacks. Both are mobile and don’t have the best arms for different reasons. But if you dig deeper, that really isn’t the case.
Wilson is evasive and can get a first down when needed, but Fields can turn a broken play 80 yards for a touchdown. Wilson is mobile in the pocket; Fields is an electric ball carrier in every sense of the word.
As far as throwing the ball, Russell Wilson is a much more refined passer. Is he Drew Brees accurate? Of course not, but he’s much more accurate than Justin Fields. Decision-making-wise, the veteran obviously has the leg up there too.
The Falcons should absolutely be preparing for both quarterbacks, which is difficult, but necessary. I’d assume Wilson still goes, but that doesn’t mean the Falcons won’t see Fields in certain packages.
We know Arthur Smith will surely have something up his sleeve.
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Photographer: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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