Pittsburgh Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are two guys the Pittsburgh Steelers feel they have choices for in the future, and as of right now, the team is enthused about what both players may provide to its roster for 2024 and beyond. However, not everyone thinks the two QBs are that great.
In a recent Speak segment on FS1, Emmanuel Acho, a former NFL linebacker and current pundit, called Fields a “game loser quarterback.” Despite having a 10-28 record in the NFL, the 25-year-old is thought to be a younger passer with potential in the appropriate circumstances.
“Though Russ didn’t carry his Super Bowl teams, and Justin Fields obviously didn’t carry his Bears teams, Russ has never had to be carried by a team,” Acho said. “Justin Fields, he’s been dead weight, Russ has never in Seattle been dead weight. Remember those Seahawks teams were 7-9 before he got there. He got there and they instantly won 11, then instantly won 13 and went to the Super Bowl.
“Game changers, game managers, and game losers are the three groups. Although Russell Wilson has never lost a game, he may not be a game-changer. Classify him as a game manager. It would be quite easy for someone to argue that Justin Fields belongs in the game loser category.”
The Steelers are going to give Wilson “pole position” to start the offseason, but Fields will be given an opportunity to compete as the starter. Pittsburgh could view Fields as a long-term quarterback for the franchise, and have pieces in place like their growing offensive line, Najee Harris and George Pickens to help him succeed. This is on top of a stable coaching staff after going through two head coaches and three offensive coordinators in Chicago.
Acho is still not convinced that it will occur. It’s early to tell at this stage.
