Starting Russell Wilson ahead of Justin Fields against the Jets could have gone either way for the Steelers. However, it didn’t, as the nine-time Pro Bowler seemingly showed why he was signed in the first place. Although it was a bold decision by Mike Tomlin to drop Fields completely, he did save Wilson from disrespect.

Not stopping at that, he called Russ a world champion, as the Steelers won 37-15 in Pittsburgh. “His poise. I thought his experience was really evident. He was unshaken by the lack of fluidity at the start. But that’s reflective of a guy who’s done it for a decade, a guy who’s a world champion, a guy who’s a pro bowler.” Russ, who was starting his first game for the Steelers in the regular season, came back from a calf injury he suffered in week 1.

Amid his absence, Fields was handed the responsibility of steering the Steelers through the first six weeks. Starting six games for the Steelers, Fields recorded 10 TDs (5 rushing and 5 passing) alongside one interception. And the moment Wilson was cleared to play, Justin found himself making way for the nine-time Pro Bowler.

Before the season started, Wilson was declared the designated starter as QB for the Steelers. So Fields giving up his place in the starting lineup wasn’t surprising to Tomlin, who said, “That’s why I’m well compensated.” Well, this comment came on the back of a Steelers win that was spearheaded by Russ, who finished with 16-of-29 for 264 yards and 2 TDs. To top it off, he didn’t commit a single turnover that helped the Steelers secure first place in the AFC North.

Apart from calling him a world champion, Tomlin also spoke highly about Wilson’s deep throw capability, “He has arm talent. He has arm strength. He’s got pinpoint accuracy. He’s very talented in that area.” Although it was a decision that paid dividends on Sunday Night Football, Tomlin also saved Russell Wilson from a possible disrespect.

Mike Tomlin saving Russell Wilson’s face in Pittsburgh

At one point in the 3rd quarter, when the Steelers were only leading the Jets by a single point, a certain section of fans were chanting, “JUSTIN. FIELDS. JUSTIN. FIELDS.” However, Tomlin decided to stick with Wilson as Steelers insider Mark Kaboly offered his thoughts on why Fields didn’t get a chance, “That’s a little surprising that he didn’t get anything. But now I understand why. First game back for Wilson. You don’t want to throw Fields in there for a handful. I mean, that might be disrespectful for Justin Fields. Because there were plays where he could’ve probably should’ve been in there.”

Although the Steelers could have utilised his powerful running game, that could have made him an “x-factor,” as described by Tomlin. They didn’t, as the game finished with Najee Harris jumping into the stands. Even Tomlin acknowledged how Russ evolved with the game, “I thought Wilson was excellent. I thought he got better as the game went on. But I’m not surprised by that. It’s been a while since he’s played some b—. But I thought he settled in, knocked the rust off and distributed the b— around.”

Will Wilson manage to build upon the performance he showed against the Jets on Sunday night? Well, if he does, then he would prove everyone wrong who doubted his ability after a disastrous tenure with the Broncos.