QB Room, Week 3: Let’s begin with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Mike Tomlin’s Russell Wilson weirdness

By now, it looks like it might be useful for the Pittsburgh Steelers to overtly decide to Justin Fields as their beginning quarterback. And but, head coach Mike Tomlin continues to dropkick that notion within the groin.

In a Tuesday media convention that’s beginning to seem like somebody retains by accident loading up a re-run, Tomlin as soon as once more went by his repetitive strains: Russell Wilson is proscribed in follow; Justin Fields must be targeted on being the starter; no person is getting named completely to something; I’ll make the choice after I have to make the choice.

Hearken to him lengthy sufficient on this topic and it’ll get caught in your mind, alongside I pledge allegiance, to the flag … our father, who artwork in heaven, hallowed be thy identify … everybooody, rock your booody …

So, yeah. For the fourth straight week, no everlasting starter has been named on the quarterback spot in Pittsburgh. This regardless of Justin Fields being 3-0, taking part in quite a lot of mistake-free soccer, and placing collectively his finest recreation of the season from the pocket in Sunday’s 20-10 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Naturally, the query received requested on Tuesday: Why received’t he identify Fields the beginning quarterback?

“As a result of there’s no want,” Tomlin mentioned. “, I defined to you the variables of the week. It has not modified. He’s going to stroll on this constructing with that [starting] mindset tomorrow. And so I actually — there’s no have to. Typically on this enterprise, man, there’s a myriad of complicated selections that have to be made.”

“I’ve realized to make them when it’s acceptable and it’s not mandatory as we sit right here proper now. When Russ will get to an acceptable level of well being and we now have a choice to make, I’ll make it and I’ll announce it, and I’ll be actually clear about it. However till then, I don’t care what number of methods you guys ask me, you recognize, I received no intentions of creating the choice that’s pointless at this juncture.”

There are a number of methods you’ll be able to take up this, however the “why” is getting extra restricted as Fields continues to play nicely. Tomlin says Wilson continues to work on getting his strained calf the place it must be, so it’s not like there’s a component of gamesmanship in play right here. Wilson has been inactive three straight weeks and persistently listed as restricted in follow, so opponents aren’t making ready for anybody however Fields at this stage.

At middle stage, Fields is buzzing alongside, with extra of the offensive playbook opening as he goes. His speeding makes an attempt have dropped three weeks in a row, from 14 to eight to 6 on Sunday. His passing yardage in Arthur Smith’s scheme topped out on Sunday. And bear in mind, none of this consists of among the optimistic performs which were negated by penalties or errors that weren’t the fault of Fields.

However there’s one overarching concern that continues to be: In 2023, the Steelers went by a saga of being a low-scoring defense-driven workforce beneath Kenny Pickett, Mason Rudolph and Mitchell Trubisky. The restrictions of these gamers and that offensive expertise left scars. And when the Steelers jettisoned their whole QB depth chart final offseason, the dedication was to get as far-off from that status as potential.

In a way, they did it by onboarding two gamers — Fields and Wilson — which are each extra dynamic choices than something the workforce had going for it final season. However in addition they hit some velocity bumps, with Wilson’s well being changing into a difficulty within the preseason, shedding rookie wideout Roman Wilson for almost two months, after which failing to land Brandon Aiyuk in an tried commerce with the San Francisco 49ers. All three of these developments had an influence on the Steelers offense with the ability to develop just a little extra shortly.

The consequence? Fields stepped in because the starter and has been ok to win video games — however not but ok to flip a change on the Pittsburgh offense and switch it right into a high-scoring unit. A few of that has to do with limitations as a passer that he’s working to enhance, whereas different components of the difficulty are steeped in errors made round Fields. The cohesion and consistency of the offensive line, for instance, has been a piece in progress.

Now, as Fields has improved, Tomlin finds himself in a clumsy spot. He beforehand named Wilson the workforce’s starter after an open coaching camp competitors. And for essentially the most half, it has appeared as if he’s leaned in Wilson’s route since his signing in free company. However Fields profitable video games and showing to develop with alternatives creates some debate. If Wilson is immediately wholesome and capable of play and Fields will get despatched again to the bench, there is a component of fixing one thing that has but to interrupt. And if Wilson struggles or the Steelers start shedding video games, there’s going to be a component of self-created chaos that comes into play. And in the end, it’s Tomlin who can be answerable for it.

Judging by the conversations I had with folks within the Steelers group in coaching camp, I believe they’ll journey Fields and the profitable streak so long as they see indicators of his progress. And within the meantime, Tomlin will spar with the quarterback questions with out making a definitive assertion. If the offense sees a giant step ahead beneath Fields, then there can be a assessment of the scenario and ultimately, a dedication. If it doesn’t, Wilson can be ready within the wings.

It’s not the best scenario, however it’s the one which the Steelers have tried to make as good as they’ll. Regardless, it’s higher than what they have been confronted with in 2023. And that’s clearly what issues most within the group.

Now on to Week 3 of the QB Room …

• Deshaun Watson’s 24-yard confidence ball simply 10 seconds into the Cleveland Browns’ recreation towards the New York Giants. I merely haven’t gotten quite a lot of glimpses of this man since he departed the Houston Texans. Sadly, it didn’t final. Watson is dealing with a Las Vegas Raiders protection this week that Andy Dalton simply carved up with the Carolina Panthers. He falters on this one, the wheels are going to return off quick.

• Anthony Richardson’s mind-boggling third-and-goal interception towards the Chicago Bears. After I first noticed the play, I didn’t notice it had been tipped. I’m wondering if he would have tried to run this ball previously. In case you gradual it down, you’ll be able to see he was making an attempt to tuck a sidearm throw into the again nook of the top zone. It may need come open, however it was a silly threat regardless. It’s not going to get any simpler towards the Pittsburgh Steelers this week.

• Sam Darnold’s suffocatingly tight 4-yard landing cross towards the Houston Texans. There was zero margin for error on this throw and he nailed it. However my favourite half is you’ll be able to see him get to his third development on the throw in roughly two seconds. He’s by no means performed this nicely within the NFL.

• Jared Goff’s 21-yard hook-and-ladder landing that was executed as flawlessly as will be. In case you watch Jahmyr Gibbs popping out of the backfield, you’ll be able to see he by no means takes his eyes off Amon-Ra St. Brown on the play. Clearly, the Detroit Lions noticed one thing on the Arizona Cardinals’ tape that they thought they might exploit.

• Jayden Daniels’ mic-dropping 27-yard landing cross to Terry McLaurin to ice the win over the Cincinnati Bengals. It had each aspect of a throw that makes a workforce imagine in a quarterback’s greatness. It was a big-time second in a 3rd and lengthy scenario, with a free speeding security off the sting. Daniels knew he was going to get hammered. However he stepped into the throw, placing the ball the place McLaurin might go get it, and took the punishment. If Daniels seems to be what the Commanders assume he will be, this can be a throw that folks ought to keep in mind being the primary signal of greatness.

So, about that Bryce Younger benching in Carolina … it appears to be like pretty justified in the event you sat and absorbed Andy Dalton’s efficiency within the Panthers’ 36-22 street win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. I personally imagine there’s a psychological aspect right here with Younger that I’ll let former NFL quarterback — and former No. 1 total decide, Alex Smith — deal with later on this column. In case you merely desire a snapshot of Dalton’s total stats, scroll all the way down to the “Inventory Up” part and I’ve laid all of them on the market.

The fascinating depth available about Dalton’s efficiency is just how the Panthers offense functioned beneath his stewardship in Week 3 versus Bryce Younger’s managing of Week 2. If quantity, effectivity and expansiveness is your factor, then you definately’re going to be impressed at how Dalton was capable of unlock a bigger portion of the sector along with his throws, whereas additionally partaking his extra explosive ability place gamers.

Simply from a baseline standpoint, in Week 2, Younger’s 18 completions have been divided as follows: seven completions to working backs, six to wideouts and 5 to tight ends. In case you usually perceive the place ability place gamers catch footballs, it interprets to working backs and tight ends being the easier, quicker choices in an offense. In the meantime, the wideouts are typically the extra time-consuming, developed components of a route tree. In case you’re throwing to the wideouts, as a rule, it requires extra time and endurance than tight ends or working backs.

With that in thoughts, right here is the distribution for Dalton in Week 3: 16 passes to wideouts, seven passes to working backs, three passes to tight ends. The essential, uncooked stats inform a narrative, and the passing charts again it up. Dalton, with the identical personnel as Younger, was accessing extra of the sector, whereas using extra wideout-driven manufacturing. We are able to filter that by quite a lot of completely different terminology or descriptions. However the truth is within the passing charts. And the charts say Dalton was accessing extra of the sector along with his wideouts, which stretches the sector vertically and presents a extra difficult scheme for defensive gamers to cowl.

Refill

(Earlier than we get into these this week, I wish to be aware that there have been seven or eight QBs who had performances worthy of touchdown within the “top off” class this week. Sadly, it’s a numbers recreation.)

Carolina Panthers’ Andy Dalton

26-for-37, 319 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs; 2 sacks

As we showcased above, Dalton immediately unlocked Carolina’s offense within the win over the Raiders — and did it with the identical personnel that Bryce Younger was scuffling with. I nonetheless assume that has lots to do with a deterioration in Younger’s confidence somewhat than the personnel at this stage, however there’s no denying Dalton put up his finest recreation since most likely 2022. We’ll see the place this goes subsequent week towards the Cincinnati Bengals, however will probably be very fascinating to see if there’s actually any curiosity in going again to Younger because the season rolls on. Dalton will possible should wrestle badly for that to occur. Preserve this in thoughts: Dalton turns 37 subsequent month, is making a shade beneath $5 million for the 2024 season, and is a free agent subsequent offseason. I might not be shocked to see him land a 2-year contract someplace as a premium backup QB.

Washington Commanders’ Jayden Daniels

21-for-23, 254 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs; 12 rushes for 39 yards, 1 TD; 2 sacks

If Monday night time’s 38-33 win over the Cincinnati Bengals is an correct depiction of the place Daniels goes — and I believe it’s — he’s going to be a critical participant on this league. He had extra whole touchdowns (3) than incompletions (2) towards the Bengals. He threw from the pocket to each space of the sector. He prolonged performs and ran judiciously. To be affordable, it’s solely three video games into his profession and Daniels will most definitely hit a wall in some unspecified time in the future. However he is perhaps one of many unicorns that may destroy you from the pocket as a pure passer … or run throughout you creating performs and breaking defenses. Mainly, a smaller model of Lamar Jackson as a runner, but additionally a extra refined passer from the pocket. I simply maintain going again to the a part of my coaching camp tour after I noticed the New York Jets and Commanders after their joint practices … when a high-ranking member of the Jets braintrust raved about Daniels fully unprompted. That’s uncommon, except a man is particular. Daniels matches that description proper now.

Buffalo Payments’ Josh Allen

23-for-30, 263 yards, 4 TDs, 0 INTs; 6 rushes for 44 yards; 0 sacks

With 4 touchdowns within the first half in a blowout 47-10 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, Allen might have very moderately had a five- or six-touchdown day with 500 yards passing if the Payments hadn’t mainly taken then foot off the fuel pedal within the second half. By three video games of the season, he’s received a working recreation backing him up and is taking part in among the finest soccer of his life. Proper now, he’s very possible going to be the league’s MVP by the primary quarter of the season. The commerce of wideout Stefon Diggs and remaking of Allen’s receiving core is mud within the wind at this stage. However keep tuned, as a result of the following three weeks are going to be a street gauntlet, with Allen and the Payments dealing with Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens, C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans and Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets. Popping out of that stretch, we’re going to know if this Payments workforce is the AFC bully. And it’ll propel them towards the Nov. 17 matchup towards Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs that is perhaps a recreation deciding house subject benefit within the AFC playoff slate.

Inventory down

Indianapolis Colts’ Anthony Richardson

10-for-20, 167 yards, 0 TDs, 2 INTs; 8 rushes for twenty-four yards; 1 sack

I actually wish to keep away from banging a participant with a inventory down ranking in back-to-back weeks, however Richardson is arguably in essentially the most brutal valley of his NFL profession (not counting final season’s accidents). I received’t harp on the interceptions once more after already doing it within the 5 Throws That Blew Me Away part. However I couldn’t assist myself and went again and checked out JaMarcus Russell’s first seven begins within the NFL … and there are some scary similarities statistically. I’m sufficiently old to have seen Russell play in particular person. I used to be at his professional day and watched his profession beginnings within the league. From the arm energy to the numerous penchant for boom-or-bust performs, it’s onerous for me not to consider Richardson, particularly after seeing how poorly Richardson performed towards the Bears. All of that mentioned, Russell’s help system and training failed him with the Raiders. So far, that doesn’t appear to be taking place to Richardson in Indianapolis. I’ll take that as an early optimistic that might make the distinction between a Josh Allen or JaMarcus Russell path.

Tennessee Titans’ Will Levis

26-for-34, 260 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs; 3 rushes for 12 yards; 1 misplaced fumble, 8 sacks

Levis telegraphed one other pick-6 and turned the ball over thrice in an unsightly 30-14 loss to the Inexperienced Bay Packers. He has 16 turnovers in 12 video games and has been sacked 43 instances. Granted, we now have to at the least acknowledge that the offensive line has not helped this example. However sacks are QB-driven stats, too — and Levis holds onto the ball too lengthy in search of a play and likewise showcases little or no really feel contained in the pocket. Being vastly outperformed by former Titans backup Malik Willis throughout the Packers loss was a dump truck of salt within the wounds of Tennessee followers who’re shortly shedding religion in Levis being the reply at quarterback. Monday’s street recreation towards a Miami Dolphins protection that’s able to hurting Levis goes to be very fascinating, notably with a Titans bye in Week 5. Sooner or later, if these turnovers proceed, you’re going to fracture the connection between the offense and protection. And that’s how a man will get benched.

Las Vegas Raiders’ Gardner Minshew II

18-for-28, 214 yards, 1 TD, 1 INTs; 3 rushes for 14 yards; 2 sacks

Even with the surprising 36-22 house loss to the Carolina Panthers, it doesn’t really feel like Minshew is the Raiders’ greatest drawback. However there’s a urgent actuality that Davante Adams nonetheless seems shut down as a downfield menace, and head coach Antonio Pierce appears to be toying with the concept of a QB change. That sounds dramatic after a 1-2 begin, however this has additionally felt like a quarterback scenario that was going to get fluid in some unspecified time in the future within the season. I’m wondering if the Raiders are simply making an attempt to determine if there’s any probability the 2025 quarterback is on the roster. With a proficient Cleveland Browns protection on deck, Minshew has his work lower out for him on the subject of protecting his job previous Week 4.

○ If Sam Darnold goes to return all the way down to earth anytime quickly, I believe it occurs within the subsequent two weeks — both on the street this week towards a Inexperienced Bay Packers protection that has been feasting on mistake-prone quarterbacks, or subsequent week towards a New York Jets protection that’s gaining some momentum towards less-than-stellar offenses. The Inexperienced Bay recreation particularly must be one that pulls an immense quantity of consideration. If Darnold performs as effectively and mistake-free towards the Packers as he did towards the Texans, then I believe that is going to really feel prefer it is perhaps a extra sustainable stage of play.

I don’t assume it’s time to speak about Darnold’s future but, but when he strings collectively a number of extra of those video games and appears like he’s lastly breaking earlier dangerous habits, then that is going to be an fascinating dialog. He simply turned 27 in June and conceivably might have an extended profession forward of him as a starter. And if that is all actual, he’s going to have some warmth in free company. The query is the place does there seem like a necessity for QBs? The groups you’ll possible hear if this stretch of play continues? I’m considering will probably be the Tennessee Titans, Las Vegas Raiders, New York Giants and Seattle Seahawks. Although the Carolina Panthers may need a quarterback want, it’s onerous to imagine Darnold would ever entertain going again to that have.

However there’s one workforce that intrigues me essentially the most after I consider Darnold’s potential future: The Los Angeles Rams. Darnold was an iconic quarterback at USC and went to highschool an hour south in San Clemente. He’s a California child who is aware of the Los Angeles life-style. And oh, by the way in which, he’s already working a model of the Kyle Shanahan offense in Minnesota … which is the offense Sean McVay is working with the Rams. There are quite a lot of seamless matches after I take a look at this. Do I believe the Rams wish to transfer off of Matthew Stafford? No. However the way in which issues are structured financially proper now, they might. Who is aware of what is going to occur with Stafford and Darnold the remainder of the way in which. However maintain this one within the prime drawer.

○ Since we’re speaking about Darnold, maintain him in thoughts when you consider how sure you’re that Bryce Younger has was a horrible NFL participant. There was a time in Darnold’s profession that his confidence was shot, too. Who can for get the “seeing ghosts on the market” second with the New York Jets. Quite a lot of Darnold’s worst tendencies needed to do with the coaches and personnel round him. He didn’t have quite a lot of belief and confidence in his environment and that parlayed into some completely horrible habits. He appears to be like like he’s beginning to flip the nook on these in Minnesota. Who’s to say that Bryce Younger can’t expertise the identical form of resurrection down the road? Hearken to former NFL quarterback Alex Smith with reference to simply being damaged down as a participant. He’s talking from expertise.

○ Just a few stream-of-consciousness ideas I had re-watching video games on Monday:

It doesn’t really feel like Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs offense is clicking but and so they’re nonetheless 3-0. In the event that they get higher from right here, the AFC stays in bother …

… Brock Purdy appeared implausible regardless of not having all these weapons on offense. Almost all of his incompletions within the loss to the Rams have been drops by his supposed targets. He ought to have earned some respect, even in defeat…

… I don’t know if Malik Willis simply wanted the correct offensive coach or if Inexperienced Bay’s Matt LaFleur is a genius, however I do know that Willis appears to be like like he’s ascending on this alternative. He’s signed by the 2025 season, however he is perhaps opening the window to some curiosity from different groups. On the very least, he’s making himself some critical coin as a excessive stage backup. However he is perhaps greater than that …

… Bear in mind the Brian-Daboll-kept-Josh-Allen-on-the-rails dialog? When do we now have that speak about Shane Steichen and Jalen Hurts? No participant has turned the ball over extra within the NFL than Hurts since Steichen left the Philadelphia Eagles to take over the Colts. He’s given the ball away 26 instances in 20 video games. That’s a wildly ugly stat …

… I believe Caleb Williams goes to be simply fantastic. However man, it has gotten noisy round him already. The offense is completely off-kilter, you had that factor with Rome Odunze’s dad tweeting out a clip of his son being open (and missed) on a route, you’ll be able to see some frustration in his physique language throughout video games, and there was that bizarre controversy about how he reacted to C.J. Stroud speaking to him after the loss to the Houston Texans. I simply don’t see how this teaching workers and Williams make it to the opposite shore proper now. Particularly with possession the remainder of the NFC North and seeing that actually each different quarterback has benefitted immensely from their offensive coaches …

… I don’t wish to go overboard in highlighting primary, dumbed-down stats, however the comparability of the 17-game averages between Trevor Lawrence and Daniel Jones is jarringly related in nearly each class. It stopped me in my tracks:

Trevor Lawrence:63.2% completions, 3,955 yards, 19 TDs, 13 INTs, 45.8% success charge, 6.38 air yards per try, 5.66 adjusted internet yards per try, 84.5 ranking

Daniel Jones: 64% completions, 3,538 yards, 18 TDs, 11 INTs, 42.8% success charge, 6.26 air yards per try, 5.45 adjusted internet yards per cross try, 84.9 passer ranking

○ To shut it out, that is — by far — my favourite Tom Brady second but as a broadcaster. This made be stomach snort after I heard it reside. We want extra of this Brady, who was reacting within the second like he would have if he’d been on the sector. That is the genuine Brady, minus the litany of F-bombs he would have dropped on somebody if he was nonetheless taking part in.