Russell Wilson versus Justin Fields? Gardner Minshew against Aidan O’Connell? Forecasting the outcomes of these genuine quarterback duels.
This time of year, coaches often claim that every starting position is up for grabs, but it’s widely acknowledged that this isn’t always the case, particularly when it comes to the quarterback position, which is arguably the most critical in the game. Most teams have already established their hierarchy at quarterback, or at least have a long-term plan in place. However, there are currently two teams facing genuine quarterback competitions:
In Pittsburgh, there’s a battle between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, while the Las Vegas Raiders have a contest between Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell. These competitions essentially pit the established veteran (Wilson/Minshew) against the promising newcomer (Fields/O’Connell). So, who holds the advantage in each scenario, and more importantly, who will make a bigger impact on the 2024 season for their respective teams? Let’s analyze each battle individually.
THE KNOWN QUANTITY
A nine-time Pro Bowler, Wilson seemed destined for the Hall of Fame until a disappointing stint in Denver changed perceptions of the former Super Bowl champion. However, in Pittsburgh, Wilson has the opportunity to revitalize his career under the guidance of offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Smith, known for his success with Ryan Tannehill in Tennessee, could tailor an offense perfectly suited to Wilson’s talents, incorporating a dynamic ground game and play-action passes. With Wilson’s track record of game-winning drives, fourth-quarter comebacks, and consistently high passer ratings, he brings the winning mentality that the Steelers need to contend for another title.
THE POTENTIAL UPSIDE
Although Fields showed glimpses of brilliance in Chicago, he didn’t quite meet expectations overall. However, the Steelers are gaining a top-tier athlete with exceptional dual-threat abilities. Fields’ impressive physical attributes, including his size, speed, and arm strength, suggest he could become a superstar under Smith’s guidance. With his past success as a rusher and the potential for explosive plays both on the ground and through the air, Fields could inject new energy into the Steelers’ offense. While concerns linger about his pocket passing skills, Smith’s system, similar to what elevated Tannehill’s game, could help Fields reach his full potential in Pittsburgh.
