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Writer's pictureGabriela Muñoz

Steelers QB: Challenges and Expectations for 2024

The Pittsburgh Steelers face a pivotal moment in their history heading into the 2024 season. The team has its sights set on its quarterbacks, key figures who can determine success or failure on the field. The Steelers' quarterback position has been the subject of debate and speculation among fans and experts alike, generating much excitement over who will lead the team's offense.

This season presents unique challenges for the Steelers' quarterbacks. They will have to adapt to new strategies, overcome the pressure of high expectations and prove themselves in decisive moments. Additionally, his ability to improve the team's offensive performance and lead the Steelers back to the playoffs will be analyzed. The goals set for these players are ambitious, but reflect the team's confidence in their potential to achieve success.


Steelers QB: Challenges and Expectations for 2024
Steelers QB: Challenges and Expectations for 2024

Current Steelers QB Quarterback Situation


Russell Wilson: Experience and challenges

The beginning of free agency for the 2024 National Football League (NFL) season saw the Pittsburgh Steelers very active at the QB position. After suffering there since the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger, the board decided to take matters into their own hands and sign Russell Wilson , a quarterback who had been released days before by the Denver Broncos.

Despite not being in his best years, Russell Wilson has not managed to feel comfortable in Denver, as he has had to deal with a rebuilding team and two different coaches in two years. This is why his arrival in Pittsburgh should be much more pleasant, since he will find a balanced offense full of options and a head coach in Mike Tomlin who knows what it means to win the Super Bowl.

For their part, the Steelers will once again have a QB with experience in their ranks, who, surrounded in the right way, can give them the leap in quality that Pittsburgh needs since the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger.


Justin Fields: Potential and areas for improvement

Justin Fields has been a starter since his first year in the league, but everything indicates that he will start as a backup in his new franchise. Up front he will have a veteran QB with a lot of postseason experience, who will be able to serve Fields a lot, who, remember, is 25 years old and has not yet managed to qualify for the playoffs.

In his three seasons in Chicago, Justin has proven to be a very good QB with his feet, something that he will be able to exploit even more in Pittsburgh thanks to the great running back tandem they form.


Statistics and performance comparison

Months before the start of the 2024 season, the person designated by the Steelers as QB1 was Russell Wilson , although it would not be crazy to think of a possible fight for the position. Both quarterbacks come from being starters on their respective teams, so whoever ends up starting for Pittsburgh, the franchise is guaranteed a great backup.

The experience of the Super Bowl XLVIII champion works in his favor, but he is aware that if Fields makes better use of his opportunities, the starting job could go to the former Chicagoan.


Challenges for the 2024 season


Adaptation to the new offensive system

The Steelers have hired offensive coordinator Arthur Smith , implying a change in the team's offensive philosophy. Smith is known for implementing an attack based on a solid running game, which will present a challenge for quarterbacks to adapt to this new approach. They will have to master new plays and schemes, as well as get in sync with the offensive line and running backs.


Offensive line protection

Although the Steelers have invested in strengthening their offensive line, there are still areas for improvement. Proper quarterback protection will be crucial to the success of the offense. Quarterbacks will need to develop good chemistry with the line and trust their ability to provide the necessary time in the passing pocket.


Internal competition for the starting position

An intense competition is expected between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields for the starting quarterback job. Both players came from being starters in their previous teams, so neither will want to settle for being a substitute. This internal rivalry could drive both to raise their level of play, but it could also cause tensions if not handled properly.


Expectations and goals for quarterbacks


Individual and team goals

The Steelers have high expectations for their quarterbacks in the 2024 season. On an individual level, Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are expected to raise their level of play and lead a potent offense. Wilson, with his vast playoff experience, should guide the team with his leadership and decision making. For his part, Fields will have the opportunity to demonstrate his potential and continue his development as a starting quarterback.

As for the team's goals, the Steelers aspire to qualify for the playoffs and have a winning season, something they have not achieved since 2003 . With a balanced attack and a solid defense, the franchise is confident that its quarterbacks will be the key to success.


Impact on playoff aspirations

The performance of the quarterbacks will be critical to the Steelers' playoff aspirations. If Wilson and Fields can quickly adapt to the new offensive system and develop good chemistry with the rest of the team, the chances of qualifying for the postseason will increase considerably.

On the other hand, if quarterbacks fail to perform at the expected level or struggle to synchronize with the offense, playoff aspirations could be jeopardized. Consistency and the ability to lead successful offensive drives will be key.


Statistical projections for the season

Although it is difficult to make accurate projections, both Wilson and Fields are expected to have solid statistical production in the 2024 season. Wilson, with his experience and ability to avoid interceptions, could surpass 4,000 yards passing and score around 30 touchdowns.

For his part, Fields, known for his mobility and running ability, could add more than 3,500 yards through the air and around 25 touchdowns, in addition to contributing important yards with carries. However, their performance will largely depend on their ability to protect the ball and avoid turnovers.


Conclusion

The Steelers' 2024 season promises to be exciting, with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields competing for the starting quarterback job. This rivalry could raise the level of play of both and have a positive impact on the team's performance. Arthur Smith's new offensive system and the pressure to return to the playoffs are challenges these quarterbacks will have to overcome.


In the end, the Steelers' success will depend largely on how these quarterbacks adapt and perform on the field. His ability to lead the offense and make sound decisions will be crucial to the team's aspirations. Pittsburgh fans will be watching every play, hoping that Wilson or Fields will be the missing piece to return the Steelers to NFL glory.


FAQs

  1. Where do the Steelers train? The Steelers hold their "Steelers Football Skills Camp and Summerfest" at the Centro Deportivo Borregos, which is located on the premises of a college football institution in Mexico, located south of Mexico City.

  2. How have the Steelers performed recently in the NFL? In the 2022 regular season, the Steelers went on a four-game winning streak, including a dominant victory over the Browns in their own stadium.

  3. Who wears number 33 on the Steelers currently? The number 33 on the Steelers was worn by John Sherman "JuJu" Smith-Schuster, who was born on November 22, 1996 and is a wide receiver currently playing for the New England Patriots in the National Football League (NFL).

  4. Which Steelers player wears number 19? The Steelers' number 19 has been worn by Juju Smith-Schuster, and you can find his jersey in black available for children ages 4 to 20.


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