How can you not love this kid

[Captain Lemming]

I just start a thread suggesting Russ over Fields and Justin goes and makes me want him to be the guy.

Dude is SO MATURE. Personal accountability you want in a leader.

[Chucktownsteeler]

Got to like the attitude, especially in this day and age.

[Northern_Blitz]

100%

Still hoping that he can be part of the future. Either as a bridge to whatever comes next. Or a scrap heap resurrection.

By all accounts, his issue has never been attitude, work ethic, leadership, or ceiling.

[feltdizz]

what did he say? Its hard to hear

[Captain Lemming]

what did he say? Its hard to hear

Basically, if “I” played better, there would be no QB question. I’m gonna keep working.

[steeler_fan_in_t.o.]

Was just talking about this. Tough call because he hasn't played bad enough to lose the job nor well enough to keep it. At the same time, he was not holding the spot of the established QB, he was playing in place of the de facto starter in a head-to-head competition that never happened.

[WindyCitySteel]

Hasn't once called out the bad blocking or dropped passes, stood up for Frazier when he was dejected about the early snap a couple weeks back, stood up for GP when he was getting heat for jogging out routes.

Let's see how Russ handles the same, he wasn't exactly loved on his previous teams.

[Captain Lemming]

Hasn't once called out the bad blocking or dropped passes, stood up for Frazier when he was dejected about the early snap a couple weeks back, stood up for GP when he was getting heat for jogging out routes.

Let's see how Russ handles the same, he wasn't exactly loved on his previous teams.

Ahhh only Windy can take a glowingly positive thread about HIS GUY and find a way to turn it negative.

[Northern_Blitz]

Was just talking about this. Tough call because he hasn't played bad enough to lose the job nor well enough to keep it. At the same time, he was not holding the spot of the established QB, he was playing in place of the de facto starter in a head-to-head competition that never happened.

This.

And since he was technically the "backup" he goes to the bench.

Which is good because we get to see Wilson.

And if he isn't good in the 2 games before the bye. We can go back to Fields saying something like "we had a chance to see JF when he was a backup and after evaluating both QBs on Sundays in stadiums, we believe he gives us the best chance to win games".

And if Wilson is better, then we can still try to retain Fields after the season.

[Captain Lemming]

This.

And since he was technically the "backup" he goes to the bench.

Which is good because we get to see Wilson.

And if he isn't good in the 2 games before the bye. We can go back to Fields saying something like "we had a chance to see JF when he was a backup and after evaluating both QBs on Sundays in stadiums, we believe he gives us the best chance to win games".

And if Wilson is better, then we can still try to retain Fields after the season.

If Wilson is better, especially if we have playoff success, Russ get extended.

[NorthCoast]

Was just talking about this. Tough call because he hasn't played bad enough to lose the job nor well enough to keep it. At the same time, he was not holding the spot of the established QB, he was playing in place of the de facto starter in a head-to-head competition that never happened.

This is the part that was feared. "Good enough" is not good enough against top teams, without a Herculean effort from the defense.

[steeler_fan_in_t.o.]

This.

And since he was technically the "backup" he goes to the bench.

Which is good because we get to see Wilson.

And if he isn't good in the 2 games before the bye. We can go back to Fields saying something like "we had a chance to see JF when he was a backup and after evaluating both QBs on Sundays in stadiums, we believe he gives us the best chance to win games".

And if Wilson is better, then we can still try to retain Fields after the season.

Was hoping they'd give him 8 games but I don't think he was short changed, he's been given his chance. For now, I'll be cheering on Russ and hope he can run with the job. If the team goes back to Fields, then I hope he will have spent his time studying and improving his game. Hopefully it'll be something he'll benefit from. A chance to stand on the sidelines and take it in.

[steeler_fan_in_t.o.]

This is the part that was feared. "Good enough" is not good enough against top teams, without a Herculean effort from the defense.

Agreed. He started off the first few games and was coming along nicely, but seems like he just tailed off.

[NorthCoast]

Agreed. He started off the first few games and was coming along nicely, but seems like he just tailed off.

If Fields played the last two games like he did the first couple it would have been a tougher decision to bench him. Or maybe not a decision at all.

[Starlifter]

his answer was excellent in every capacity. He was reflective, thoughtful, honest - it's not the usual cliche soundbite response.

I'm rooting for Justin. I think there's a chance he can still develop into our future franchise QB. I don't think he's shown enough yet to warrant not seeing what they have in Russ.

But the future isn't Russ.

If you're playing for this year, I think it's not the worst idea to see what they have with #3.