The Pittsburgh Steelers may have secured a 32-13 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 6, but their offensive performance left much to be desired, raising questions about the future of quarterback Justin Fields. Despite the win, the team managed just 145 passing yards, committed seven penalties—including two costly delay of game calls—and looked generally out of sync on offense.
Many of these issues have been attributed to Fields, leading to speculation about whether head coach Mike Tomlin could make a quarterback change heading into Week 7.
The Steelers’ offense was far from polished, but they still managed to put up a season-high 32 points. Fields completed 14 of 24 passes for 145 yards, ran the ball 11 times for 59 yards, and scored two rushing touchdowns. It wasn’t his best outing, but his mobility and decision-making in critical moments helped the Steelers escape tight spots. Fields often used his legs to extend plays and evade pressure, contributing significantly to the team’s ability to move the chains and ultimately win the game.
If the Steelers didn’t have veteran quarterback Russell Wilson on the roster, the focus would likely be on correcting their mistakes and refining the offense for the remainder of the season. Instead, there is an ongoing conversation about whether Fields should remain the starter now that Wilson is fully healthy. Tomlin has kept the possibility of a quarterback change open all season, hinting that once Wilson recovered, a decision could be made.
Wilson, now returning to full health and beginning to “shake the rust off,” presents an intriguing option for Tomlin. The veteran quarterback’s pedigree and leadership are well-known, and some believe that his presence under center could help the Steelers unlock more consistency on offense. This situation has left Tomlin with a difficult choice: Should he stick with Fields, who has led the team to a 4-2 record, or make the switch to Wilson in hopes of boosting the offense further?
There is certainly an argument to be made for benching Fields. The Steelers’ offense, while capable of putting points on the board, has been inconsistent and plagued by penalties and execution errors. Each week, there are discussions about where the unit can improve, and Fields, while dynamic, hasn’t delivered the kind of game-changing performances that some expect from a starting quarterback. His ability to escape the pocket and avoid sacks is a plus, but the passing game remains underwhelming.
Adding to the mix, Fields’ girlfriend, Brianna Carmona, weighed in on the win via social media, expressing her support for Fields after the game. While her message was a personal one, it highlights how much attention the quarterback situation is drawing, both on and off the field.
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Yet, despite the concerns, the age-old adage applies: “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.” The Steelers may not be perfect, but they are winning. They stand at 4-2, atop the competitive AFC North, and are heading back home for a prime-time matchup against the New York Jets.
The team has embraced an identity built on a strong rushing attack and a stout defense. In their win over the Raiders, they rushed for 183 yards and forced three turnovers, including two fumbles and an interception.
Fields, for his part, has committed just two turnovers in six games, following the game plan of protecting the football and not losing games for the team.
The Steelers didn’t enter the season expecting to be a high-flying, pass-heavy offense. They envisioned a balanced attack, where the running game and defense would carry the load, and the quarterback’s job would be to manage the game, limit mistakes, and make plays when needed.
Fields has largely delivered on that front, using his athleticism to avoid sacks and extend plays, all while minimizing turnovers.
If Russell Wilson weren’t on the roster, there likely wouldn’t be a debate at all. Fields would be viewed as the clear starter for the rest of the season. But Wilson’s presence complicates matters. He is a proven veteran with a Super Bowl ring and years of experience leading winning teams. The mere possibility of what he could bring to the offense keeps the door open for change, even after a win.
As the Steelers head into Week 7, the question remains: Can you really bench a quarterback who led his team to a 32-point performance and a 4-2 record? For now, Fields has done enough to keep his job, but Tomlin’s decision could hinge on whether he believes Wilson can take the team to the next level.
The answer will remain uncertain until Mike Tomlin steps up to the podium and addresses the media ahead of the Steelers’ next game.
Until then, fans and analysts alike will continue to debate whether Justin Fields has done enough to secure his spot as the Steelers’ starting quarterback, or if a change is on the horizon.
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