DK's Double Shot of Steelers: Keep both QBs?

[@marshgood]

Disappointment stems from the team underperforming or falling short of their goal. The anger this year comes from the realization that the organizational decisions are being made based on pride and/or stubbornness.

[@daveshipley2774]

The team wasn't even a close shot to making the playoffs. I really don't want to hear it

[@jordellfreshbreeze7133]

What if that was Tomlin’s goal?

[@debrasedok9969]

DK, I went back and listened to the Russell Wilson interview on Pat McAfee Show, and I listened several times. Other media are saying "contract talks." There never once was the word CONTRACT nor the word NEGOTIATIONS ever mentioned. Last thing he said was he is "really excited about the opportunity to stay at Pittsburgh, HOPEFULLY longer and I always trust in God with the process." That's it!! I am really sick of media blowing up a story that didn't happen!!! Thank you, DK. I had to get this out of my system.

[@michaelpurdie5631]

Not bad at all

[@crowe1974]

I was in the Russell camp but now I'd like to see what Justin can do with the whole season under his belt

[@alsalazar4826]

Same, even got Wilson’s jersey. It’s Fields’ time

[@ozzybrass6774]

I knew after the colts games Fields was the better decision for the personnel. The scheme. The OC. Russ was good in Seattle. But he cannot take over a game when teams play 2 safety high. Ever in his career....guess wat this era of defense is....2 safety high.

[@Justin_Watson23]

Here's a little food for thought from DK's very informed collegue/former NFL scout Matt Williamson: The Steelers OL were 18th (middle of the pack) in pressure rate allowed. What may shock the average fan, is only 2 teams held their blocks longer (on average) before allowing said pressure than the Steelers' OL at an impressive 2.9 seconds to pressure. That's excellent & is very encouraging from this young OL. Russell Wilson though, was bottom 5 in QB sack rate & average time to throw. If the Steelers OL was giving up an average amount of pressures after holding their blocks for a very long 2.9 seconds, where did all the sacks & negative plays really come from? The 36 year old 5'10", formerly 1 read & improvise guy who doesn't have the athleticism to improvise anymore. I want zero part of a 30 mil contract for Russ, or any contract for that matter.

[@jefferytokarsky1930]

… and did we forget why Fields got to start the season?

[@stoneylonesome5826]

Russ has no shot at being the “old Russ” without a dominant O line and running game. The Steelers don’t currently have that.

[@AFL67pitt]

Man absolute FACTS Russ too old, short, and slow and none of that is changing no matter what the line does

[@bzo3940]

Man this is concerning, I was so sure that Austin and Meyers would of been fired by now. What the hell are we doing???

[@johnbaker1263]

The real question is who would be their replacement??????????

[@Sandra-ir5bm]

Exactly. Doing absolutely nothing

[@richdurbin6146]

Regarding the ‘non-losing streak’ Ben had a great quote on it in his podcast. “It’s nice to have on your way to Lombardis, but you don’t want to live there”.

[@raymondnesbitt8751]

Exactly!!

[@KeithFroehlich07]

And Ben would know. Because nobody in this city wanted to give the defense their proper criticism, Ben was blamed along with his offensive coordinator when Tim Tebow embarrassed the highest paid defensive unit in football. And you could say this team has never recovered from it. Hiring family friend via nepotism hire Todd Haley cost this team at least one more trip to the Super Bowl with Ben and Arians

[@bvee4952]

Who actually thinks Fields would stay if Russ does too? I don’t buy it

[@higherlearning5079]

So, let fields go. Trade him. The team has challenges and russ is your best shot with better skilled players. NO his not..

[@bvee4952]

You can’t trade a free agent, Tomlin would probably love to bring Russ back because he’s content losing in the first round and being just over .500

[@AMarioWade]

I’d bring Russ back as the back up to Fields 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@bvee4952]

@@AMarioWade I wouldn’t complain but I don’t think Russ would come back to be his backup either

[@AFL67pitt]

No you can’t have Russ looming behind Justin I do not think that would be good for Justin’s confidence

[@crowe1974]

That was a great J1 J1Q question. Couldn't have said it better myself

[@crowe1974]

Nothing is going to change until Mike Tomlin is gone

[@DexterDavis-p1r]

DK I said the same thing Tomlin felt threatening with Flores that's why he let him go now i wish he go

[@KeithFroehlich07]

Wasn't going to happen. Flores is too toxic. He's still under litigation with the NFL about the racism. That's why it took Tony Dungy forever to get a head coaching job, because every time he was passed over he would cry race.

[@dhunter1133]

I love Russ's energy and professionalism, and I do think he can still provide quality starts...but not for the Steelers. He showed very clearly that heroball is beyond him and needs to play for a team that is more complete and make best use of what he brings to the table.

[@michaeletzi5431]

We are back to square 1. Should’ve stayed with fields when he was 4-2. Now we act like fields is guaranteed to come back to be in same situation. He might go to another team. lol. Russ is a good person, but is not the answer at QB in the tough AFC. I’d rather take a risk have a losing season and hope to get a higher draft pick in the future.

[@jr.kendle7230]

Yea but they have to draft great players with the picks.

[@jordellfreshbreeze7133]

Considering what we got Fields for, I don’t know how other teams are going to offer him a starting job

[@dylonhotfire3333]

They shit the bed at the end. Heads gotta roll. O line coach🙏🙏 All this talent has to be utilized.

[@jeffreykahr2081]

Dk, I know a lot of people will disagree, but Tomlin and his staff have been constantly out coached in the playoffs.

[@dwightjefferson9220]

And the players have been out played. Fumbling, throwing INTs, dropping passes, missing tackles. Better than most teams but they’re just not as good as playoff teams.

[@Vegeta009]

Agreed

[@skunkworksstudios]

Brent should run for PM of Canada. That was amazing.

[@Sandra-ir5bm]

Amen DK!!! You are absolutely right.

[@jerryyeager1307]

Thank you DK and Chris, It seemed like the team was very disappointed when it came to defense. I'm not saying they didn't try but they were put in a bad situation. It just seems like a slow, slow change if any when change needs to come. Great show guys !

[@rnick95]

Tomlin is a narcissist and egomaniac. Most great coaches have great assistants that have created a coaching tree that has roots and branches that extend across the NFL. Just think of the greats like Lombardi , Shula , Landry , and most of all the great Bill Walsh. Their impact on the game and the coaches they hired and mentored has reached across generations. Tomlin is not an all time great and is so obsessed with micromanaging and control to where he is threatened by anyone that he perceives as a viable threat to his job. Coach Dungy is somewhere shaking his head behind the scenes after seeing how this clown is wasting all the knowledge and wisdom that he poured into Tomlin when he gave him his opportunity as a young coach with the buccaneers like the great coach Chuck Noll gave Dungy his player and coaching opportunity with the Steelers as a young man getting into coaching.

[@tbone3163]

Well said

[@richardbanks7932]

Spot on my friend. Very well articulated

[@timrobinson4058]

Russ is too old and can't see middle of field he's too short

[@ronchess8813]

I have been fan 53 yrs i remember 80s rough

[@timwest78]

Sone of those teams were not good. But what they did do gave effort. What was extremely lacking on this team this year.

[@raynman67]

It’s the multiple 90+ yard drives for TD’s the defense surrendered especially in the early stages of the game that I find most disturbing.

[@elwinvanzile3944]

Everyone has lost their dang minds. Thanks for the one year Russ. Do we all want a 10-7 and no playoffs win again? We're all insane wanting the same thing over and over again lol.

[@officialfrederickdaniel]

0% chance Fields is in Pittsburgh if Wilson is back

[@Grooveboxin]

Yep, there are 5-6 teams he wouldn’t start and make better and that WILL pay him

[@johnbaker1263]

I would love to hear Mr Rooneys answer to the J1Q, OH wait, We already have. Lmao..😅😅😅

[@stevejavonovich6021]

I don’t have a problem with keeping Arther Smith for another year, I do have a problem with Austin at Defensive coordinator. They play way too passive on defense, at least to me.

[@Madoldman60]

Been a Steeler fan since 1970. The way things are run now is piss poor to say the least. Well, I didn't leave the Steelers, (as a fan) The Steelers left me....... Hopeless.

[@rodneyhill9710]

First, love the show DK, so thank you! I do disagree with your stance on Tomlin’s lack of a “coaching tree.” It matters in that we basically have coordinators and nobody wants. So why do we want them? Why do we hang on to them when it’s obvious to everyone that we need to replace them. Is Tomlin hiring guys that don’t threaten his position - you alluded to this when discussing Brian Flores. Feels like that should raise a red flag for ownership. Tomlin doesn’t want to surround himself with people that he considers threats to his own job? Is someone living in his own fears?

[@samirgermanwala9927]

keep fields and get Milroe or Ewers in rd 2 get Egbuka in 1 get rid of pickens for 2 nd rd and get DA from Jets !! great Start

[@AFL67pitt]

Don’t waste any pick on Ewers and don’t use more than a 3rd for Milroe I don’t see either of them as better than Fields

[@DexterDavis-p1r]

Excuse me i just yell at you DK no Russ unless he's backup i think fields can do wonderful things with fields that would be cool as a backup

[@jarm7726]

It doesn't matter the results will be same

[@jr.kendle7230]

14:08, Steelers do win games. Go Steelers! Did we really feel that the Steelers were going to the SB at ANY point during the season? No. But I do expect bigger things from them next year. This will be Omar’s second draft as GM and Tomlin is on the hot seat from preseason on.

[@ricklove8588]

No way you get both. Both will want to start

[@giovannimassa6780]

that's correct Justin is your starter

[@Lhitch191]

Hey DK! What do you think about the Steelers trading Pickens to the Jets for Garrett Wilson??? Reunite Wilson and Fields like the Bengals did for Burrow/Chase.

[@moparking1714]

There aren't any QBs out there. So they better bring back one or both. We need line and wr1 and 2 help man with a line watch things change

[@blairbrownie1223]

Yeah, let’s just roll back the same team, same coaching staff. It kept them above .500 and got them to the playoffs, where they embarrassed themselves, just as they do every time. Big fun ahead

[@alexandereckert5939]

This team is COOKED

[@stanrock8015]

Won’t happen. They both want a starting role and QBs available aren’t great. They both may get it too. If we get Justin we need same OC. He’s continuously changed and needs stability.

[@dannyjohnson8122]

After hearing " Jim" Rooneys recent comments its become clear that Dan was the one with the knowledge and the stones to guide this organization. Yet it is Tomlin and only Tomlin who faces the fire weekly throughout the season. Say what you will about the Cowboys their local media and fans are all over Jerry Jones about their problems and rightfully so. Art Rooney will have his yearly sit down with one person asking the questions and thats it. When is the last time we heard from Omar? Jim did say it's an organization issue. Unfortunately its Tomlin trying to guide them instead of the other way around so all the venom goes to him.

[@jimi6611]

R. Wilson had his chance and not good communication with OC. Field had his chance and was progression. he just needed to score more , improve accuracy, and get the ball out quicker to protect the OL if it struggles early.

[@daveshipley2774]

I would love having Flores. I mean. What's up w Munch. Oh yeah I guess im living in the past. Bring in Bem & Hines. Lol. Is what it is. Steelers fan forever.

[@jeffreykahr2081]

Hey DK, remember Bruce Ariens and Ken Weisenhut?

[@timrobinson4058]

Justin Fields deserves a chance not a Russell

[@infinity2z3r07]

Passive ownership. AR II is not sufficiently stung, resolute, or loud to course correct his institution. Hard times on the horizon

[@Shadowlurker-g4q]

Start Fields

[@KeithFroehlich07]

It's very rare that a starter would stay as a backup after being replaced. That's why the whole nonsense that they wanted Kenny to learn under Wilson was nothing but hogwash. It just doesn't happen that often. I don't think this would work because I don't think it's a secret that Arthur Smith really has no use for Wilson, he pretty much let that be known the week they announced he was going to start. I think both guys have their favorites in the locker room, I think this would be too toxic, and could split this team at the core.

[@andref9663]

Did Justin Fields actually escape trouble? Seems to me he got sacked a lot as well except for a play here or there. The idea that there was some drastic sack gap between the two doesn't appear to be true and Russ provided the higher offensive upside.

[@jefferytokarsky1930]

I said it before … the Steelers are so complacent they’re not even bother to fire a scapegoat.

[@mikenorthmore7329]

To whom this concern ,Mr Warren #30 reminds me of “‘Mike pin-ball Clemens” way better the Najee just needs to stay heathy. ❤

[@phil3560]

It's all about dollars and sense!!

[@hutchhutchison4912]

✌❤🤘

[@jr.kendle7230]

Steelers are going to the SB next year! Watch! You heard it here.

[@steelking22]

NO. Russ can move on.

[@Justin_Watson23]

I second this.

[@timrobinson4058]

Coaches need to go. Tomlin has no clue how to win a playoff game he's been here to long. If they don't fire coaches it's gonna be another same old story from year to year more subpar bs

[@scottdurkee9162]

Keep Fields, Russ is going to want too much money, and draft a Quarterback

[@stantonsmith3677]

Neither one want to take a back seat especially russ, I think its one or the other, russ is not gonna take a back seat to anyone

[@damondrandakis8068]

Every year my father and I choose a Steelers game to attend. We bleed black and gold, but I can't justify the amount of money we invest for just a little better than the average football team. I hate to say it, but we might have to attend a Detroit Lions game, my second favorite team instead of the Steelers.

[@luigivillani6411]

He needs a "Our business is winning sandwich "!

[@CompleteProducer84]

This won't happen since Russ wouldn't accept it, but the best scenario would be for Russ to be QB2. He will not win us a SB as a starter, but he would be one of the better backups in the league

[@wj1023]

I'll keep wondering what the bashers felt this teams record should have been🤔. Until they get a legit qb they will remain in the same place. Nothing will change without it. Look at the best teams.

[@sleepinglady2778]

Rooney isn't wrong for keeping Tomlin. He gets the Steelers to the playoffs most years. It takes a lot for a championship. While his message is stale to us, It only matters if it's stale to his team. Idk I would love to see the guy get the Steelers another championship but we really needed playmakers and we didn't see enuf from our playmakers in the last few weeks.

[@shawnv549]

I don't want Russ!

[@ChrisB7102]

I honestly think all 3 QBs are back. Call me crazy.

[@Thisguy5]

Tomlin gotta go.. he’s incapable of change and seems to be too close to his staff to fire anybody..

[@moparking1714]

Well Dk what is Smith an ex Head coach.

[@Mulavi]

Russ no. Fields maybe. But there's got to be an offensive mind on the staff who can identify each player's strengths and weaknesses and create an offense around these.

[@Rct804]

Love and respect to Russ but man he's not getting any younger and not the same out of pocket and fast throwing QB . 2nd coach T and the entire organization need to looking into different strategies obviously things haven't been working for over 10 years now. Superbowl is the ultimate goal for fans as much as for the team. PS4L BABY

[@76mothersofinvention]

I'd like the Steelers organization to keep both QB's and find a schizophrenic QB candidate in the draft cause more is always better especially if they're cheap. Russ may WANT TO PLAY but his ability to find open receivers, time of release, and ability to scramble say otherwise. If he is hired as a good luck token because of his previous SB win then give him the title of QB/Mascot.

[@jsmitt3700]

DK, you said the Ravens anticipated what the Steelers were going to do defensely. I disagree the Ravens did what they do read option and w/o Flowers, they went big personell. The Steelers plyd nickel and dime(DUMB) and crashed on the RB. The defense should have played a 4-4 against that garbage. Tomlin coached a horrible gm.

[@CurtisClark-ye2yj]

YES IF POSSIBLE!🖤💛💪

[@jorgerico6202]

They can’t run it back!! Damn!! 🤬🤬

[@valiford2441]

If Tomlin was so worried about Flores taking his job, why would Tomlin bring him in at all?

[@yancyjenkinssr1824]

If you knew the circumstances, you'd know the answer

[@valiford2441]

@@yancyjenkinssr1824 despite trying to preserve Brian Flores as a viable NFL coaching option, Tomlin would have never put himself at such risk according to fans that support this theory.

[@DexterDavis-p1r]

Tomlin is not a good coach he needs to go

[@DavidKfilmmaker]

Keep both and trade Russ if a contender needs a qb from injury at deadline

[@Buff88]

Mike Tomlin coaching Tree of Woe

[@stoneylonesome5826]

I can’t see a scenario where Russ comes back and isn’t the starter. If they resign Russ he is the QB1.

[@emh7545]

Sign Fields. He should have finished the 2024 season as Qb1 unless there was a collapse, maybe a 4 or 5 game collapse. 😉

[@carhac66]

without Tomlin, this team would not make playoff, possible 5 win team. please look at the roster realistically. Tomlin gets a lot out of his players. I think some of the position coaches are just decent (example O line coach). some of the decisions are questionable (example safety decisions).

[@natebrack7276]

I wouldn't mind keeping both. I really like Rus. I know he needs pieces around him, but all of the things we want to acquire to make our team better are all of the things he would need anyway. I think Rus gets too much hate. I really like Fields, and I really like Rus as an experienced and talented vet to help Fields put everything together. All of this is assuming that Rus won't ask for too much money from us, which doesn't seem unlikely considering the fact that Denver will continue to pay him for another year. Love your content, as always!

[@theaceofspades39]

Think about it the guys married with a bunch of kids and has a gazillion dollars and other business ventures outside the NFL. If he's really determined to stay I could see them working out a low dollar deal. Maybe he's the backup or run some weird 2 quarterback packages. Either way I do agree having a vet like a Russ could help Field's develop. Of course Field's needs to play to develop though

[@BobbyDillon-ug5te]

Keep Fields, let Russ walk. He's not the future and Fields has a tremendous upside. This is a no-brainer.

[@sv2935]

Keeping both qbs shows a lack of commitment and confidence in naming a starter. What's wrong Mike can't recognize your mistakes or just afraid to admit it ? Wilson NO, Fields YES! Draft a young hopeful , you might find another Bubby Brister. Start Fields and when he gets hurt running for his life go with the fan favorite bench player, could be exciting . If he's another mobile qb you won't have to change the offense .

[@timwest78]

Will give them one more year. No major changes same old crap as last now it will be 10 years. This lifelong steeler fan. From 1970 will pick another team to root for.

[@JohnK-e8g]

I’m not opposed to Russ coming back if we get the dude some weapons and a run game k prefer fields but I don’t think Russ is a bad qb at all he had zero weapons no run game no line and terrible play calling he didn’t always play great but you don’t give a 36 year old qb that situation either

[@jamesforeman7751]

The media is to anxious for a story. The Tomlin and the organization to make moves when they want them too. It's plenty of time for Tomlin to do what he has to do. I'm pretty sure they're having meetings and discussing the moves they will make strategically, along with the points DK is bringing up

[@theabsc4361]

Let russ go

[@Vegeta009]

If they’re both back, Russ will start

[@Dpanytime]

Well with tomlin nothing will get done and same results 😢

[@timrobinson4058]

Bring Mason Rudolph back head better than Russell Wilson

[@daveshipley2774]

If Russ takes a big paycut. They can afford both. If not. Nope

[@johncatullo2638]

Quit going to the games people thats the only way Rooney will listen.

[@alshort752]

Russ's back legs have gone and his front legs aren't looking that great either.

[@carhac66]

do steeler's fan know the definition of mediocracy? you should look at the chicago bears or browns and other teams. steelers need tweeks and better backups. I knew Queen was not the answer.

[@theabsc4361]

bring russ back for $5M

[@johnbruce4003]

Trubisky makes more than that

[@MonsterXero423]

Russ didn't so much run out of anything, as he ran into the teeth of the best defensive units the Steelers faced this season. I don't know if Fields looks as good against the Eagles and Ravens as he did against Atlanta and Las Vegas. Yes Atlanta went to the playoffs but so did the Steelers. The schedule got harder and the offense wasn't as good as we thought.

[@alexlupsor5484]

With all your wisdom without the ability to do offense w/o the offensive line giving a min. Of 5sec to setup or even opening a whole that allowed the sun light through, there will be absolutely no running game. Wilson never even had the three count to even look for a receiver. Get off of the shtick about everyone but the line is at fault. As far as making the coaching move it's my opinion that it takes time to make changes to are changes because of media hype or pressure makes no sense. I've followed this team since 74 and as far as the top highering/firing is the responsibility of the team coaching staff and family since the family MAKES THE FINAL DECISIONS & SIGNS THE CHECKS. ALTIMETLY, it's the owners decision and if they want to stay then they stay. Money has destroyed this team.

[@higherlearning5079]

Russell is our best shot.. Everyone should get what their worth.

[@Justin_Watson23]

Our best shot at picking high in the '26 draft? I completely agree.

[@jamesforeman7751]

DK Justin Fields is not good, dude is a bust

[@blairbrownie1223]

Yeah, let’s just roll back the same team, same coaching staff. It kept them above .500 and got them to the playoffs, where they embarrassed themselves, just as they do every time. Big fun ahead