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Russell Wilson has been handed the reins as the starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers for the first game of the season against the Atlanta Falcons. Though it may have seemed like a match made in heaven five years ago, it is no longer that.
He has been searching for his lost self after being traded by the Seattle Seahawks to the Denver Broncos. The Broncos were so determined to get rid of Wilson that they offered him $38 million to play for someone else. That someone else is now Wilson in Pittsburgh.
He was acquired at a realistic price from the Steelers, but realistic does not always mean reasonable in such deals. If he cannot perform closer to his standard, this time as a starter in Pittsburgh may prove to be very short.
Another issue is Wilson’s refusal to use his movement and his eagerness to take more sacks than required.
Russell Wilson Camp Struggles
Wilson did not have the best of times during the Steelers training camp. He had a painful calf strain, making it impossible for him to participate in Pittsburgh’s first preseason game.
When he played, however, he was not impressive; he was worse against Buffalo and better against Detroit. While AAFC games are not always indicative of how a player performs in the regular season, it is concerning how he struggles, particularly with a fledgling Steelers offensive line.
Not all are despairing, though, as Wilson was the starter Mike Tomlin designated last week. Nevertheless, Tomlin has plans of inserting backup Fields as he is able to do things that he is not able to. Fields does have the ability to run quickly and avoid pressure from the offense more quickly than usual, which is quite important considering the absence of an effective Steelers’ offensive line.
Tomlin publicly endorsed Fields and said he was pleased with his accomplishments. After announcing Wilson as the first-string quarterback, Tomlin made an effort to speak personally with Fields and complimented him even during a media talk with Rich Eisen.
While Wilson has been brought to guide the team, his position is not quite as safe as it used to be. Fields has been very aggressive, and it will be a surprise if he is not the main quarterback by the end of the season.
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