The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the 2024 NFL season with high hopes, and for much of the year, they looked poised to make a deep playoff run. However, their regular-season finale marked a dramatic downturn, as they ended the season on a dismal four-game losing streak. That skid not only dashed their momentum but also dropped them to the No. 6 seed in the AFC playoffs, forcing them into a Wild Card matchup against the formidable No. 3 seed Baltimore Ravens.
At 10-7, the Steelers are certainly in the playoffs, but the question surrounding them is whether they can reverse the negative trends that have plagued them in recent weeks. One of the most pressing concerns for head coach Mike Tomlin as he prepares for the postseason is the play of veteran quarterback Russell Wilson.
Russell Wilson’s Struggles and the Dilemma at Quarterback
For most of the season, Wilson has been the Steelers’ starting quarterback, bringing a wealth of experience and leadership. But as the season wore on, his performance has steadily declined, culminating in a poor finish to the regular season. Across the final five games, Wilson ranked a woeful 30th out of 31 qualifying quarterbacks in Expected Points Added (EPA) per dropback—a statistic that measures the positive impact a quarterback has on his team’s chances of scoring.
Wilson’s struggles have been a major source of concern for the Steelers, especially given the high expectations that came with his arrival. After all, the veteran QB was expected to stabilize the offense and be a key factor in Pittsburgh’s success, but instead, the Steelers have found themselves in an increasingly difficult situation. A series of uncharacteristic turnovers, missed throws, and a lack of consistency in critical moments have contributed to the team’s offensive woes.
The four-game losing streak to end the regular season has only amplified these concerns, leaving Tomlin and the Steelers’ coaching staff to consider a change under center for the Wild Card matchup against the Ravens. With Wilson’s struggles, it’s clear that Tomlin will need to make a critical decision: stick with the veteran quarterback, or turn to a potentially more dynamic option in backup Justin Fields.
Justin Fields: The Backup with Potential
Enter Justin Fields, the talented backup who has been sidelined due to an abdominal injury for the past couple of weeks. Fields, who made a name for himself with his strong arm, mobility, and ability to make plays outside of the pocket, could be the spark the Steelers need as they try to regain their rhythm. Although he hasn’t played since Week 15, Fields is now healthy and available for action, making him a real option to start against the Ravens.
Tomlin has publicly acknowledged the potential of Fields, stating, “I’m certainly open to utilizing Justin. He has an awesome skill set. We’ve done some of that in the past. We’ve done less of it in recent weeks. He experienced an injury a couple of weeks back that slowed some of that.”
Given the Steelers’ recent struggles, Tomlin’s openness to considering Fields as a potential starter or significant contributor against Baltimore could be the breath of fresh air Pittsburgh needs. While Wilson brings the experience and leadership of a seasoned veteran, Fields’ athleticism and upside make him an intriguing option, especially given the dire circumstances the Steelers find themselves in heading into the playoffs.
The Case for Russell Wilson
Despite his struggles, there are still reasons for the Steelers to stick with Wilson. First and foremost, the veteran quarterback has been the starter for most of the season and has a track record of success in the postseason. Wilson’s experience in high-pressure situations, coupled with his ability to remain calm under fire, is invaluable in playoff football. Tomlin may choose to give Wilson one last chance to turn things around, particularly in a matchup against a division rival like the Ravens.
Additionally, Wilson has some impressive weapons around him. The Steelers’ offense features playmakers like wide receiver Diontae Johnson and rookie tight end Pat Freiermuth, as well as a strong running game led by Najee Harris. A stable offensive line and a solid ground attack could provide Wilson with the necessary balance to succeed, especially if he can rediscover some of the form that made him a perennial Pro Bowler in his prime.
However, the issue remains: can Wilson rebound from his late-season struggles, or has his decline reached a point where the Steelers’ playoff hopes hinge on a change at quarterback?
The Case for Justin Fields
On the flip side, Justin Fields presents an intriguing option for the Steelers. His unique skill set, particularly his ability to extend plays with his legs, could be an asset against a tough Ravens defense. Fields’ mobility allows him to evade pressure and create opportunities when things break down, which could be a major advantage for Pittsburgh’s offense, particularly when facing a strong, blitz-heavy defense like Baltimore’s.
Fields has shown flashes of brilliance in his career, and while his development has been a work in progress, there is undeniable potential. His deep-ball accuracy and ability to make plays with his legs make him a versatile threat, and a fresh, dynamic approach could spark the Steelers’ offense and take pressure off the running game.
While there are obvious concerns about Fields’ lack of postseason experience and the fact that he’s been away from the field for the past few weeks, his style of play could provide a change of pace and potentially catch the Ravens off guard. Tomlin has already indicated that he is “open to any combination or combinations of the division of labor” in an effort to win this game, which could mean that Fields could see significant playing time, whether as a starter or in a rotational role.
What This Means for the Steelers Moving Forward
Regardless of which quarterback Tomlin chooses, the decision is a significant one that will likely have a lasting impact on the Steelers’ playoff chances. The team is clearly at a crossroads, with Wilson’s struggles forcing them to evaluate their options at the most important position on the field.
If Tomlin opts to stick with Wilson, the Steelers will need him to regain his form and make the necessary adjustments to give Pittsburgh a chance to advance in the playoffs. If, however, Tomlin turns to Fields, the young quarterback will need to rise to the occasion and prove that his upside is enough to propel the Steelers into the next round.
The stakes are incredibly high, as the Ravens are a tough, well-coached team with a strong defense and a dynamic offense led by quarterback Lamar Jackson. A win against Baltimore would not only keep the Steelers’ Super Bowl hopes alive but also provide a much-needed boost of confidence heading into the next round.
Conclusion
Mike Tomlin faces a critical decision as the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare for their Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. With Russell Wilson struggling in the final weeks of the season and Justin Fields fully healthy and available, Tomlin must decide whether to stick with the veteran quarterback or turn to the backup with immense potential. The decision will have major implications for the Steelers’ playoff hopes, as they seek to regain their form and make a deep run in the postseason. Whatever choice Tomlin makes, the pressure is on to get the offense back on track and keep the Steelers’ championship aspirations alive.
