Let Russ Cook: Mike Tomlin’s Decision To Start Russell Wilson Works Out

Mike Tomlin caused a stir during the week suggesting the Pittsburgh Steelers may see a QB change.

On Saturday, it was official that Russell Wilson would take over the starting QB job and Justin Fields would be the backup.

The Athletic’s Dianna Russini wrote a lengthy article stating that many people around the league questioned Mike Tomlin’s decision. She even said people in the Steelers building were questioning it. Russini wrote the Jets were questioning it as well and would have rather faced Wilson than Fields on Sunday night.

Pittsburgh was 4-2 and tied for first heading into their week 7 contest against the New York Jets on Sunday Night Football.

Despite a lot of debate and questioning of Mike Tomlin’s decision to make a QB change, it worked out well on Sunday night. The Steelers defeated the New York Jets 37-15. Russell Wilson and the offense played well. Wilson went 16/29 for 264 passing yards, two passing TDs, and added a rushing TD. Najee Harris had his second consecutive game of recording over 100 rushing yards and a rushing TD. George Pickens had his second 100-yard receiving game of the season and scored his first TD of the year.

While it has been just one game, Mike Tomlin seems to have outsmarted everyone with the decision. After a bit of a rocky start, the offense began clicking in the second quarter and did not look back.

Below, we discuss whether Wilson should remain the starting QB and if he gives the Steelers the best chance to win their first playoff game since 2016.

Mike Tomlin Outsmarted Everyone: Should Russell Wilson Remain The Starter?

Yes, it was just one game, but considering the backlash Mike Tomlin received from fans, the media, and being questioned around the league, he will wake up on Monday feeling pretty good about himself.

Russell Wilson must be feeling pretty good as well. After being tossed aside by the Denver Broncos, and his career taking a downturn the last three years, Wilson wanted to prove he still has it. He played well and quieted a lot of the doubters.

The passing game looked good for the Steelers with Wilson under center. This also helped the run game as well. The Steelers had 409 total yards against a very good New York Jets defense and scored a season-high 37 points.

After making a bold move and it working out well, Mike Tomlin should stick with Russell Wilson as the starting QB.

Does Russell Wilson Give The Steelers The Best Chance To Win Their First Playoff Game Since 2016?

Many questioned why Mike Tomlin would make a QB change.

Cris Collinsworth stated on the NBC broadcast that the move was made because Mike Tomlin wanted to see which QB would give him the best chance at success in the postseason and the only way to see is to make a QB change.

The answer may very well be that both Fields and Wilson can win a playoff game. The Steelers were 4-2 with Fields starting the first six games. Pittsburgh looked very good with Wilson starting on Sunday Night Football. Sitting at 5-2, Pittsburgh has two capable QBs that can get the job done.

The defense remains a top-10 defense in the league. As long as TJ Watt is healthy, it will remain a top-10 defense. While many will discuss Wilson and praise the offense for their performance on Sunday night, the defense intercepted Aaron Rodgers twice and held Breece Hall to just 38 rushing yards on 12 carries.

Winning during the season is one thing but Mike Tomlin is desperate for a playoff win. The QB that gives him the best chance to have playoff success is Russell Wilson. Wilson has had playoff success while Fields has not. In the playoffs, the Steelers will be facing QBs like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and CJ Stroud. They will need to be able to pass the ball effectively and the QB that will do that in the postseason is Wilson.

There is no going back now. Mike Tomlin made the QB change and he should continue to let Russ cook.