Justin Fields made his highly anticipated preseason debut for the Pittsburgh Steelers against the Houston Texans on Friday night, showcasing a mixed performance that left fans and analysts with conflicting impressions. The 25-year-old quarterback, who joined the Steelers this offseason, completed 5 of 6 passes for 67 yards. However, his efficiency through the air was overshadowed by two sacks, resulting in a loss of 15 yards, and two fumbled snaps.Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin didn’t mince words when describing the team’s overall performance in their 20-12 loss to the Texans. “Really a sloppy performance, to be honest with you,” Tomlin stated, comparing it to a junior varsity team. He emphasized the need for significant improvement across the board.Meanwhile, the quarterback competition between Fields and Russell Wilson continues to evolve. Wilson, who has been nursing a calf injury, is expected to play in the Steelers’ second preseason game against the Buffalo Bills. Tomlin confirmed this, saying “I do,” when asked if he anticipates Wilson playing next week. Despite Wilson’s absence from the first preseason game, Tomlin has given him the “pole position” in the race for the starting job.As the Steelers prepare for their next preseason matchup, all eyes will be on both Fields and Wilson. The competition for the starting quarterback position remains “very much a competition,” according to Tomlin. However, Wilson is still expected to start in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons, barring any setbacks.The Steelers will look to bounce back from their disappointing preseason opener as they face the Buffalo Bills in their next game. With Wilson’s expected return and Fields looking to build on his debut, the quarterback situation in Pittsburgh continues to be a focal point of the team’s preseason narrative.
Key points
- Justin Fields had a mixed performance in his Steelers preseason debut, completing 5 of 6 passes but also fumbling twice.
- Russell Wilson is expected to play in the Steelers’ second preseason game against the Buffalo Bills.
- Head coach Mike Tomlin described the team’s overall performance as ‘sloppy’ and emphasized the need for improvement.
- The quarterback competition between Fields and Wilson remains open, with Wilson currently holding the ‘pole position’.
Contradictions👾While some sources suggest Wilson is expected to start in Week 1, others emphasize that the quarterback competition is still very much open.
