Mike Tomlin Humbly Brags About Steelers QB Decision

The Steelers head coach thought Wilson was “excellent”

The Pittsburgh Steelers and head coach Mike Tomlin left their 37-15 win over the New York Jets relieved. Tomlin decided to put Justin Fields on the sideline after quarterbacking the Steelers to a 4-2 start, including a 32-13 beatdown of the Las Vegas Raiders last week, in favor of Russell Wilson. Wilson was named the starter in training camp but had a nagging calf injury.

The decision was controversial in the eyes of Steelers fans and voices around the league. Fields had played admirably, recording 10 total touchdowns and a 66.3% completion percentage, and the Steelers were winning — they were tied for first place in the AFC North. Why change things up?

But in the eyes of Tomlin, Wilson played, “excellent” in his Steelers debut. The veteran completed 16 of his 29 pass attempts for 264 yards, two touchdowns through the air and one on the ground. Wilson and Pickens, who had his best game of the season with five catches for 111 yards and a touchdown, showed a real connection.

Sometimes designed or if nothing else was open, Wilson gave Pickens opportunities to make a play in one-on-one coverage.

“I thought he got better as the game went on, but I’m not surprised by that,” Tomlin added. “It’s been a while since he’s played some ball, but I thought he settled in, knocked the rust off man, and distributed the ball around and played well.”

Sunday night started slow for Wilson and the Steelers’ offense, leaving fans upset and having their mind made up that Tomlin made the wrong decision — even going as far as to boo Wilson and the offense early into the first quarter.