Ex-Steelers CB: Let Russ Cook if Fields Loses to Raiders
Former Steeler Bryant McFadden thinks a loss to the Las Vegas Raiders should trigger a change at QB. Appearing on CBS Sports HQ this past Thursday, McFadden made the case for Russell Wilson to overtake Justin Fields as the Steelers QB1 if Fields can’t outduel Raiders QB Aiden O’Connell.
“Justin Fields isn’t losing the ball games for you,” McFadden said. “But what we saw Sunday night, he didn’t actually put you in a position to win.”
Fields’ Week 5 performance versus the Dallas Cowboys wasn’t strong. He finished the game 15-27 for 131 yards and two touchdowns.
To McFadden’s point, Fields’ play hasn’t lost games for the Steelers. He’s limited his turnovers, throwing only one interception through five games. While Fields has an incredible athletic upside, his stats aren’t much better than 2023’s starter, Kenny Pickett.
Fields has thrown for 961 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception in his first five starts. After five games in 2023, Pickett threw for 827 yards, five touchdowns, and four interceptions. Pickett and Fields finished the first five weeks with a 3-2 record.
But Justin Fields can’t shoulder all the blame for a stagnant Steelers offense. Former first-round pick Najee Harris hasn’t performed up to expectation in Arthur Smith’s run-heavy offensive scheme. Through five games, the “bell cow” Harris has rushed for only 270 yards and averages 3.3 yards per carry.
McFadden is correct, though. A Steelers loss this week should trigger change, especially if the offense can’t move the ball. Given Wilson’s Super Bowl-winning resume, it’s hard to imagine Mike Tomlin not starting him in Week 7 to spark the offense if the Steelers lose.
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