Steelers legend changes tune on Russell Wilson, Justin Fields debate

Pittsburgh Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger repeatedly backed Justin Fields as the quarterback helped Pittsburgh start this season at 4-2 when veteran Russell Wilson was sidelined due to a lingering calf injury. 

Roethlisberger is seemingly now in Wilson's corner after the 35-year-old played well in this past Sunday's 37-15 victory over the New York Jets. 

"You wanted a team that was gonna run the ball, was gonna have play-action, was gonna take some shots and was gonna rely on the run," Roethlisberger said about Pittsburgh's offense with Wilson in the lineup during the latest edition of the "Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger" podcast, as shared by Matthew Marczi of Steelers Depot. "I think the unique thing is [Sunday] night, I think the run opened up because of the pass. The run and the pass game have to work hand-in-hand. And I think you saw that." 

Wilson struggled early against the Jets and even heard boos from some home fans as he worked to shake off understandable rust. He then got into a rhythm en route to completing 16-of-29 passes for 264 yards with two touchdowns, no interceptions and one sack taken. Wilson also scored a rushing touchdown, and the Steelers gained a total of 149 yards on the ground. 

"As Russ gets more comfortable and knocks the rust off, I think you'll start to see everybody get more involved, more unique plays," Roethlisberger said, per Joe Clark of Steelers Depot. "...For the most part, I think you're gonna see a Russell Wilson that is gonna continue to get better as he gets more familiar with being out there." 

There's no reason to believe Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin would even consider going back to Fields for the upcoming "Monday Night Football" home game against a 2-5 New York Giants side that's a mess this fall for multiple reasons. As of Tuesday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook listed the Steelers as six-point favorites over the Giants. 

According to Troy Montgomery of Steelers Depot, Roethlisberger added during the podcast that he feels Pittsburgh can take plenty of momentum into the Week 9 bye and then "make a run" with Wilson leading the charge. It's assumed Tomlin's opinion that Wilson is a better option over Fields as it pertains to competing against the league's best teams is a big reason the one-time Super Bowl champion remained atop the depth chart even though Pittsburgh won four of six games without him. 

Thus far, Tomlin's handling of what could have become a delicate situation for everybody involved has been nothing short of brilliant.