We’re just days away from Mike Tomlin naming the Pittsburgh Steelers starting quarterback. And while the mere function of training camp made the Russell Wilson-Justin Fields battle more fun to follow, the role has always belonged to Wilson.
ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky feels a bit cheated, as he explained who he’d name the starter if he were Tomlin.
I would’ve started Justin Fields, but this was never a QB competition. We were bamboozled a little bit.
If Orlovsky really feels “bamboozled,” it’s on him (and anyone else who felt there was a competition). “Pole position” was an oft-used description by Tomlin for Wilson this offseason. Tomlin never made it sound as if Fields was truly a candidate for the starting job.
It can’t be denied that Fields offers a spark that Wilson simply no longer has. But to name Fields the starter would be silly and only cause a toxic atmosphere that the Steelers just don’t need.
Experience will always trump potential for Tomlin, which is why the Super Bowl champion never lost the starting gig, even after being out-played by Fields in training camp and the preseason.
“I would’ve started Justin Fields, but this was never a QB competition. We were bamboozled a little bit.”@danorlovsky7 on the QB battle in Pittsburgh pic.twitter.com/FtGVRES1c0
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) August 26, 2024