Mike Tomlin showed up for his usual Tuesday press conference with the Pittsburgh Steelers and among several points reflected on Russell Wilsonâs emergence as the teamâs starting quarterback in last Sundayâs win over the New York Jets in Week 7 of the NFL season.
The Steelers coach seemed relaxed and at ease a few days after his team won its second straight game to improve its record to 5-2. Tomlinâs satisfaction was tied to the apparent resolution of the long-running feud between Justin Fields and Wilson for the starting quarterback job. For that reason, his words about the former Denver Broncos player were highly anticipated.
âHeâs scheduled to take first team reps tomorrow, and weâll see where that leads us,â Tomlin said of Wilsonâs starting job, avoiding confirming him as the Steelersâ starting quarterback against the New York Giants. His statement is logical considering the game is almost a full week away, but at the same time stands out for avoiding making a permanent starter announcement.
âHeâs got to play winning football, design and build wins in a more fluid way. I think thatâs our goal as a collective, or parts of this collective, every week, how do we make winning more consistent and more fluid,â was Tomlinâs demanding comment to Wilson.
Russell Wilson #3 of the Pittsburgh Steelers throws the ball during the first quarter against the New York Jets at Acrisure Stadium on October 20, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
âI think his experience really showed. He wasnât moved or shaken by the lack of fluidity in the beginning. But I think thatâs a reflection of a guy whoâs been doing this at a high level for over a decade. Heâs just seen a lot in this game and itâs in his back pocket, just like his throwing ability,â the Steelers coach praised to Wilson.
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Tomlinâs statement on Justin Fields situation
âI just want Justin (Fields) to be prepared to get ready to play, like heâs done. Iâm refusing to acknowledge whatever changes you just acknowledge. Weâre building a plan to beat the New York Football Giants this week. Weâve got two capable guys, weâre gonna ready them. They both need to be ready to work,â Tomlin sentenced without wanting to announce any starting quarterback between Fields and Wilson.
Fields had been the starting quarterback for 6 of 7 weeks in the 2024 NFL, but after much speculation, Wilson re-took his rightful spot in the preseason after making a full recovery from his calf injury suffered in the preseason.
Russell Wilsonâs performance against New York Jets
Wilson had a big season debut in the Steelersâ win over the Jets. The 35-year-old veteran quarterback completed 16 of 29 passes for 264 yards and two touchdowns. While Tomlin was cagey in his comments, if all goes well in the week of practice, the nine-time Pro Bowler will start against the Giants.
