“One man’s misfortune is another man’s opportunity!” Well that is what the Steelers Head coach said when Russell Wilson’s injury opened the doors for Justin Fields. But the path to the QB battle isn’t as straightforward as it seems. While many expected Justin to steal the spotlight, Wilson’s recovery has turned the team’s quarterback room into a fierce battleground. Now, there’s palpable tension among the players over who will emerge as the star quarterback. The suspense is real!

The media-fueled ‘competition’ between the two QBs has garnered significant attention, becoming one of the main NFL storylines. With new twists unfolding daily, this saga just keeps getting more interesting! After a calf injury on July 24, Russell Wilson has now fully recovered and returned to the Steelers’ training camp. Moreover, the QB has high hopes of debuting in the Steeler’s second preseason game, trading first-team reps with Justin Fields. But there is still a lot of confusion going on! And to spill the beans on the QB battle, the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator has something to say.

On August 14, Arthur William Smith appeared on the Pat McAfee show to discuss the Steelers’ objectives during training camp. Sports analyst Pat McAfee asked the offensive coordinator, “What is your main objective here throughout training camp as you’re trying to implement your offense? And should we be worried about who’s playing quarterback as much as we are outside looking in?” Answering the host, Smith highlighted the critical importance of the quarterback position, pointing out how history has proven it time and time again. But that’s just one piece of the puzzle. The team has turned into a real battlefield, with intense competition heating up in other positions too!

Smith said, “Well, I mean, obviously there’s no more important position in pro football than the quarterback. I mean, it’s been shown throughout the history of this game, certainly the last 60 years, but that’s part of it. Obviously it’s a big piece of it, but we’ve got a lot of competition going on at other spots. You know, we drafted three offensive linemen. There’s been great competition inside, you know, going into camp.” The Offensive Coordinator also revealed how Wilson’s injury threw a curveball, but also opened doors for Justin to step up.

“What the plan was, you know, with the competition, Russ getting injured, certainly put a wrench in it, but it was more opportunity for Justin. Russ has been back lately and it’s been awesome. I mean, the whole vibe up here, the culture with Mike and the whole organization, it’s been fun being up here.,” he added. Smith’s statements clearly indicate how happy he is to have Russell Wilson back in the gridiron. While the media, analysts, and fans are buzzing about the QB battle, it seems like the Steelers are in a different fun kind of vibe! But the question still remains the same, Justin or Russell who is the perfect start QB?

Justin Field vs. Russell Wilson: Who’s really got what it takes to lead the Steelers?

Justin Fields has certainly turned heads with his powerful arm and impressive accuracy. He took over all the first-string duties when Russell Wilson suffered a calf injury, building strong connections with the receiving corps and making plays that improved the Steelers’ performance. True to form, Fields has used his playmaking abilities and mobility to secure his place on the team. On top of that, his ability to scramble makes him a dual threat, drawing comparisons to elite mobile QBs like Lamar Jackson. And that’s not all! With 1,143 rushing yards in 2022, Justin set the record for the second-most rushing yards in a single season by a QB.

Moreover, in June 2024, during his own Football GM Podcast, Randy Mueller praised how Smith and Fields would be a perfect union. He stated, “Arthur Smith’s offense is a perfect fit for Justin Fields. I think it is outstanding what he’s gonna ask of his quarterback to do what [for] Justin actually are his strengths.” However, like two sides of a coin, Justin’s impressive skills come with a few flaws! Despite having impressive arm talent, the player lacks passing accuracy. His last year’s stats show he completed only 60.3% of his passes, indicating Field still has room to grow.

On the other hand, Russell Wilson is the perfect blend of experience and success. The player holds an impressive record with nine Pro Bowl selections and a Super Bowl championship. His credibility and leadership, combined with over 43,653 passing yards and 334 touchdown passes, make him one-of-a-kind. Wilson’s mobility and ability to extend plays make him a dual threat, keeping defenses on their toes! But as always, there are two sides to every story.

Despite his impressive career, Wilson faces challenges as he approaches the twilight of his career, turning 36 this year. His age raises questions about his ability to consistently perform at a high level. While Russell Wilson’s age might be a concern, Justin Fields still lacks experience. With all the drama and competition growing, let us wait to see who will be the Steelers’ Star QB.