The Pittsburgh Steelers have started the season 3-0 with Justin Fields at quarterback. To note, Russell Wilson was announced as the starter during the offseason, but has been dealing with a lingering calf injury.
Wilson #3 (left); Fields #2 (right)
Through the first three games, Fields has thrown for 518 yards, to go with two touchdowns and one interception, in addition to rushing for 90 yards (one rush TD).
In view of his performance and team's success thus far, former Steelers Pro Bowl safety Ryan Clarks has spoken out about the QB situation in Pittsburgh, giving some advice to his former coach Mike Tomlin.
"I loved the fact that every week I knew we were going to line up with Ben Roethlisberger and if he threw an interception and if it went bad that he was our guy and we were sticking with him," Clark said (via TMZ).
That is to say, getting behind the team's signal-caller and riding with him week in and week out is important not only for chemistry, but also for sustained success.
Clark continued, "Having that indecision and not necessarily knowing that it's going to be Justin Fields the rest of the season or it could be Russell Wilson, that's a little difficult."
All in all, when Wilson, 35, is finally healthy, head coach Mike Tomlin will have a decision to make. Nevertheless, if Fields keeps it up, the 25-year-old may win over the job for the rest of the season, which Clark recommends is the best choice moving forward.
Tomlin (left); Clark (right)- Super Bowl XLV, 2011
Say it today Mike T!!
“Justin Fields is our starter going forward. We have found our guy.”
Let’s not play this game anymore. Love Russ, but this isn’t about him. The young man has shown he is capable. What a difference situation makes.
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) September 22, 2024
To mention, Clark even mentioned Fields leading the Steelers to the playoffs as one of his bold predictions before the 2024 seasons started.
Ryan Clark has three bold predictions for the 2024 NFL season:
* The Texans are going to the AFC Championship Game.
* Jayden Daniels will have a C.J. Stroud-like rookie season.
* Justin Fields will lead the Steelers to the playoffs. pic.twitter.com/pdEL9gmCyw
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) August 2, 2024
For the time being, no matter the QB situation, Clark believes the team can keep their lead in the AFC North, especially since their stout defense proves to be the backbone, giving up the least amount of yards (229.7) and least amount of points to opponents (8.7) in the NFL so far this season.
Chris Long, Bill Belichick and Ryan Clark on Justin Fields #Steelers #NFL
pic.twitter.com/xoWCKIUGfQ— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) September 14, 2024
In view of their next Week 4 matchup, the Steelers, led by Fields, will head to Indianapolis to take on the Colts (1-2) Sunday, September 29 at 1:00 pm ET.
Mike Tomlin knows both Russell Wilson & Justin Fields have “stepped out of their cars as franchise quarterbacks” before. He also understands the baggage that comes with their experiences.
He’s focused on both men understanding what it means to lead as the starting QB of the… pic.twitter.com/rzNJWlO1Nx
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) August 9, 2024
