I’ve been a Steeler fan since I can remember. Before I knew how to write my name. Before I
knew how to cook grilled cheese. Before I knew how to drive a car. It’s been 26 years rooting for
the black and gold and for almost two of those decades I’ve got to thoroughly enjoy QB play. For
18 seasons Big Ben trotted out to Heinz Field. He would consistently throw for 300 yards, shake
off defenders like they were in pee wee, and lead 4th quarter comebacks. Now what do we get
on Sunday vs the Jets? A pivotal moment in the 2024-2025 season.
Look, the last couple of years have not gone well. If it wasn’t for a hall of fame coach, I don’t
think we would have made the playoffs 3 of the last 4 seasons. We don’t get any amusement
getting in and then losing in the wildcard, which is why Sunday is so massive. It’s also why it is a
win win for every Steeler fan across the globe. We have a 35 year old future hall of fame
quarterback that we were able to sign for dirt cheap. We also have a 25 year old freak athlete
who just proved for 6 games that he is able to get us in the win column. So why is this a win
win?
If Russ comes in on Sunday and plays lights out, just like another vet hall of famer has been
doing (Joe Flacco) then we have our guy for the rest of the year. You take a QB that has been to
multiple Super Bowls and is still in his mid 30s and give him a top 10 defense. I watched Russ
throw for 26 TDs and 8 INTs last year playing for a team that didn’t even know what day of the
week it was. But what happens when Russ comes in and struggles for two weeks in a row?
Well, our defense has already proved that it can single handedly win us games when the QB
struggles. If we find out Russ is not the answer, you go back to Fields who went 4-2 for us
through 6 games. The 25 year old can still learn a ton sitting behind a future hall of famer. Do
we all love that Fields is a freak athlete and can change the game with his feet? Of course we
do. I think Arthur Smith and Russ could win some big games this year while we prepare for
Fields to be the long term answer.
Steelers finish 11-6 and win the AFC North for the first time since 2020.