Stephen A. is 'VERY, VERY HAPPY' about the Steelers' QB situation with Wilson & Fields | First Take

[@Jesse.George]

For 5 Million I’ll take Russ and Fields over Watson for 45mil lol

[@DeCurtaRican]

I’d take them for $60M over Watson at $45M.

[@letsgobrandon7297]

I wouldn’t take fields over any of them nor Mason or Kenny.

[@Bdodds3]

Deshaun Watson threw for 213 for 1 td and 1 pick against the Ravens. He hasn't proved he is better than Wilson and Fields.

[@retrogaminggenesis6102]

How'd that second half go?

[@edward-jamesgardner776]

@@retrogaminggenesis6102 it was just the second half...

[@edward-jamesgardner776]

230 million for that one half too👀

[@ZooHaven203]

LITERALLY lol when he used that as his argument im like waston didn’t even play well…While Russ ripped off a 5 game win streak against all playoff teams minus the Vikings ( GB,KC,CLE,BUF) this past season

[@derrickwilliams4121]

He's definitely better

[@casson14]

shout out Dan backing up my boys

[@jayjya]

Your boys?

[@bigfootwalker5399]

Last 2 years in Denver Russ was behind the worst OLine in the league, going to Pittsburgh solves that "fatal flaw".

[@letsgobrandon7297]

@jayjya: Yeah it’s weird.

[@booker405]

They are both better than Pickett

[@TheBrotherHoodSports]

That's not something anyone should be celebrating. You can be better than Pickett and still be trash.

[@MikeLit2]

⁠​⁠​⁠@@TheBrotherHoodSportsthe fact they went 10-7 with worse QBs is worth celebrating.. This year should be alot better for Pitt.

[@johnsnyder3164]

You are better than Pickett and I don’t even know ya!

[@shipwreck8847]

It's crazy they got to the playoffs with pickett. I think this team will be pretty good with the QB upgrade next year.

[@spaceo8568]

Thank you.

[@JohnDoe-zr8pc]

Mad dogs “argument” is really 1/2 of a football game? Seriously?

[@MattShanley-bb6qs]

Justin outplayed Goff both games last year, better than Watson playing before he got hurt lol

[@a1_genz]

He did what he's supposed to do make you laugh.😂😂😂

[@ccjswd]

Probably thought Matt Flynn was the next Rodgers too

[@Smiththebat]

He DID not win the game. He’s arguing for a team who had their starter play 6 games and limped into the playoffs with a madden player at qb.

[@brucemastorovich4478]

Nick Foles and Joe Flacco might be the best quarterbacks of this century I guess. I've seen them play some really good games here and there. Never mind what happened between.

[@deanoost9599]

Find myself rooting for Russ. He's obviously humbled. Has something to prove. So does Tomlin. Might work.

[@snipesgang7884]

Sacks? They were on the Bears and Broncos, what you thought was going to happen lol. I hate when analysts don't take account for how bad a team is when evaluating players especially QB

[@TheBrotherHoodSports]

They can't play from the pocket so they run into sacks.

[@christopherharris3229]

@snipes Fields has had the second most time to throw over the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Stop blaming everyone else for Fields looking like a deer in the headlights because he can't figure out simple zones or combination coverages. 😂

[@snipesgang7884]

@christopherharris3229 I'm just not about to all the blame on him. There offense was weak, line was weak, coaching. As a Steelers fan, I can say your offensive coordinator plays a huge role in QB success

[@johnnycash8567]

U realize he watches film right? And also played the position. Those guys hold the ball too long

[@johnnycash8567]

@@snipesgang7884had the second most time to throw so how is the line weak? 😂 you’re a biased fan boy 😂

[@jaretalbaugh7034]

Mad dog looks and acts like a crooked lawyer

[@MmaMadman85]

Mad Dogs argument is weaker than Deshaun Watson's sexual harassment defense.

[@ElijahBigStrong10]

😭😭🤦🏽‍♂️

[@jonnie5bgood583]

Must be pretty strong since Watson was never found guilty

[@MmaMadman85]

@@jonnie5bgood583 LMAO he is settling out of court. Basically saying "I'll pay each of you 1.5-2.5m to not tell the world how much of a creep I am". That's not a good defense bro, that's just being rich.

[@jonnie5bgood583]

@MmaMadman85 that's definitely not how it works bud. It's more like it's cheaper to pay the gold digging whores than to deal and pay for long drawn out court cases. Settling out of court does not equal guilt. And notice how there weren't criminal charges

[@DeCurtaRican]

Yeah! I can’t figure out these Russ-haters. But even Dan Orlovsky is wrong. Russ in 2018-2020 was uncorking the ball quickly, and he used the middle of the field.

[@icecreamcat5329]

How can they put Watson over Russell and Fields? Watson hasn't played a full season in like 3 years.

[@Nightwing0415]

I think because you almost have to think Watson is better because of how much they're paying him. The money is causing a mirage effect like seeing a waterfall in a desert. I definitely personally think Justin Fields and Russell Wilson are better than Watson.

[@Bman32x]

@@Nightwing0415gotta say I have to agree. It’s some weird mentality equivalency that if a player is getting paid more and entrenched as the starter they “have” to be better.

[@elbob17]

That's why. He's literally done nothing since 2020.

[@buddahgreat]

He's getting prepped for the season... gotta love those rub downs

[@lavellhall7650]

Just ignore them my friend. It's ESPN gas lighting clowns as always.

[@edutainme7265]

Dan is just awesome at explaining football to people who don't do it as a job.

[@Zaied12]

Mad Dog is silly. The games Russ had against Buffalo, GB, and KC (week 8) were more impressive than what Deshaun Watson did against Baltimore. Deshaun hasn't even proven that he's capable of playing more than 6 games in a season now. 😂

[@carlos.4700]

He’s proven that because of one year?

[@duvaltilwedie904]

Didn't Russell throw for like 114 yards in that KC game? Deshaun hasn't been healthy like that

[@williamcecil7173]

@@duvaltilwedie9043 passing td with only 114 yds passing is a wild stat

[@williamcecil7173]

@@theacgkid the same defense that gave up 70 pts yea right man

[@williamcecil7173]

@@theacgkid they did shape up but top 5 is wild from the stats I seen Russ played good football which is all the Steelers are asking from him

[@jimmorrison9287]

Russell wilson was 24 of 29 for a 82.8% completion percentage with 2 touchdowns as well as 30 yards rushing against the bill's with 117 quarter rating. That's better than any game Deshaun watson had and he didn't throw for many yard's but he had 3 TDs anda 119 QB rating against the chiefs while also running for 3 yards. I'd take Russell wilson over watson at this point. I don't think people realize how bad the QB situation has been in Pittsburgh the last 3 seasons. Russell Wilson is not just an upgrade but a massive upgrade.

[@skeezix8156]

Wilson did all that with next to nothing. There’s not an active QB in the league who could thrive with that team. He never should’ve gone to Denver

[@SneakySnake133]

@@skeezix8156buddy Watson has an incredible team around him

[@WrestlingIsReal649]

Steelers with the steal of the off season 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@TypicalBlakk]

They have the best off season so far

[@a1_genz]

Lmao Madd Dogg gets paid to be a Madd Dog its comical.

[@dwag303]

Maddog is the wooooorrrst !!!!!!!! NFL , analyst of all time

[@getsomemoney2433]

I like what Dan said we haven’t figured anything out yet but we have hope. Arthur Smith , Russ , & Fields are all still questionable. But as a fan I’m happy

[@jakjones8680]

As a Titans fan, Russell is going to be great with Arthur Smith! Play action will be beautiful in Pittsburgh

[@retrotv1988]

Literally can’t be mad all lol for the Khan artist to pull this off is crazy I wanted this to happen but it worked out perfectly

[@Smiththebat]

I 10000000% believe in Justin Fields and Russel Wilson more than Happy Endings over there in Cleveland getting carried by his defense and playing 6 games.

[@BrandonBay-t5e]

Success in the QB position relies heavily on protection and it's worth noting that Russ has been under siege for at least the last 5-6 seasons. This was one of the motivating factors for him leaving Seattle. As a Hawks fan, one of the most frustrating things was the subpar protection for Wilson and he still managed to be successful. I believe give him more time and the personnel to throw to and he will definitely make the Steeler offense better.

[@JimmySandoval-vf4vt]

I'm a Pittsburgh Steeler fan but the funny thing about I used to root against Russell Wilson when he used to play for the Seahawks or whoever he played for but now that's the funny thing cuz I used to root against them but now I'm rooting for him

[@ProgressivelyElevating]

This is so hilarious. Stephen A Smith was a huge Russ hater when he played for the Broncos. Now he thinks Russ is a Hall of Famer.😂😂😂

[@Tiffany-ki4wu]

Ikr, he’s a steeler fan

[@jamie4555]

I mean let’s be real, anyone who is a Steelers fan is just happy to have a QB that’s not Kenny Pickett or Mitch Trubisky.

[@mattersoftheheart-Jay-Nae]

He was hardon Russ because Russ WAS horrible at Denver… but I know he understands that Russes situation is totally different personnel and coach wise

[@MarioCindric]

Hate for Russ is real. Steelers didn't get this attention even when Big Ben was behaving like Watson. So what Russ did that media hates him so much?

[@Mijnziel-0417]

"Mad Dog" lives up his benighted moniker, thank you Dan for keeping it real.

[@ryanf.6079]

This guy saying Deshaun Watson is elite by one half like saying Pickett is elite after a 4th quarter where it’s the only time he shows up

[@sca3944]

We’ve gotten to the playoffs with second and third string we got this

[@brittanybradford9239]

Watson is way overrated and overpaid. Steelers now have the 3rd best qb room in the division and the best roster overall in the division.

[@oliseojo1728]

Ain’t no way mad dog arguing for a 1/2 of a game against DO’s argument for a stretch of games

[@deepheey]

Just remember we went 5-1 against afc north with Kenny/mason. So how can it get any worse after new offense coach and defense we just added. Plus we are not done yet!

[@figuredrawing4912]

The Russ and Fields hate............... loooooool. Steelers are going to be SCARY.

[@rockyhooah2972]

Everybody wants to talk about the ravens.The bengals and the browns in our division. As if pittsburgh has not been owning them year in and year out. We practically sweep all those teams yearly. And w/ subpar QB play. Lamar is way over rated, watson was never good And borrow has fallen off of a cliff.

[@josephdonovan9125]

Lettem talk keep us under the radar

[@majinbobbyhill828]

I agree with all except the Lamar slander

[@easlam5503]

Steelers are going to win the division

[@benderisbest2199]

Holding onto to Watson is wild.

[@reallife0728]

LAST YEAR RUSSELL WILSON THREW 26 TD'S & 8 PICKS IN 15 GAMES... KENNY PICKET THREW 13 TD'S & 13 PICKS!!!!! STEELERS STILL MADE THE PLAYOFFS!!!! RUSSELL WILSON MAKES THE STEELERS WAY WAY WAY BETTER!!!!🏈🏈🏈💯💯💯

[@kylesneed406]

5-1 in division and 10-7 overall with a playoff berth last year on the back of Mason Rudolph, Kenny Pickett, and Mitch Trubisky. Thats hella impressive.

[@drei602]

"If you have 2 quarterbacks, you have none." -John Madden

[@jtrillz3953]

Steelers went 10-7 and 5-1 in the division with Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph, having Russ and Fields definitely is a fix for this team

[@ryanw2032]

You can't compare the QBs without considering the rest of the offense they had to play with.

[@robbycross3265]

It's crazy to hear Orlovsky critique QBs

[@dylantritle5921]

Wilson outplayed Mahomes in KC last season, 3 TD's and a 125 QBR.... He outplayed Josh Allen in Buffalo, with an 82% cmp, 2 TDs and a 124 QBR???? Watson's best game was 213, 1 td, 1 int and an 80 QBR??? Wilson >>>> Watson

[@habituallinestepper7745]

Can we stop 🛑 with the Misinformation. No teams last season scored above 30+ points on us. Where did Mad Dog get 35 points?

[@bigmac4266]

he’s an idiot dude saying the browns qb room is better than the steelers is a huge red flag already watson didn’t even play good against yall that game😂 look at the stats he played average

[@thomasbrothers3857]

Dan O finally agree with this guy

[@knorelationknorelation4159]

Peep how the producers rolled the clips of JF getting sacked in slow motion. Right after DO says "Fields needs to speed his game up". Hilarious.

[@stephenkometz7536]

Dan does realize Justin o line was god awful his whole time in Chicago that’s why he got hit so much and sacked.

[@angelicsoulz]

For some reason that doesn't count when the QB looks like 🧔🏾‍♂️but they beg for o-line help when the QB looks like 👱🏻

[@Djturnt]

Nah he definitely walked into some sacks

[@MorningDew85]

As long as GP is getting the rock I’m happy! Because if he is producing then we are winning! Now he got a legit QB1 in fields for the future, he is going to light it up

[@ruslangarr393]

D.O. Literally provides the stats that these are the two most mistake prone QBs in the league. SAS immediately talks about Wilson not turning the ball over much. Wilson is average at best. Fields has had enough data set to know he’s a backup.

[@sunnyrobinson2128]

I love to see Mad Dog and Dan go at it 😂 Pause

[@lowlife2133]

Get em Dawggy

[@Chop2128]

Why does everyone forget that the ravens are 1-7 vs the steelers since 2020

[@fwd105]

On Fields, you can't speed up if your O line can't block and your receivers can't break free. Come on Dan, as a former QB you should know better

[@nrg6245]

I find it hilarious he will talk about Justin Fields fourth-quarter stats but not Russell Wilson’s which led the league. Number 1….

[@devinbowden1736]

Dano always fighting for his life against these remedial takes 😂

[@keebmack]

This guy, “Mad Dog” has gotta go. Get with the times ESPN.

[@BigDaddyBeefPatty]

They will reduce sacks by playing for a better team. The O line doesnt even need to be a massive upgrade. Youve got a great run game and an elite defense with a great game manager coach. Those things are going to keep you in it so your QB doesnt need to go get 200 yards and 2 TDs in the second half of every singke contest to have a snowball's chance of winning. When youre ALWAYS playing from behind if forces your QB into taking uncomfortabke chances to try and extend drives. Playing in closer contests will fix a lot of that.

[@saltyuno]

Big Ben's last 2 years were difficult to watch because of Canada.

[@juanogando1901]

Wilson is a deep ball QB. The Broncos wanted to run Shanahan stuff and it didn’t work. Shanahan basically took the west coast offense and added zone running. Issue is that’s not Russ style of football. He’s more a throw back QB chucking them deep.

[@FiresCollide]

I'd really love to see a single sports panel discussion that isn't just a middle-aged guy with a heavy East Coast accent shouting over his fellow panelists.

[@AldoSantomauro]

Steelers been graded A on trades and draftpicks have not even started....Omar Khan is 🍳 cooking....🖤💛

[@Geojr815]

I know Mike Tomlin likes his shiny new toys but we seriously need to focus on that O line sooner or later

[@DJKobeOnTheBeat]

He talks like somebody’s drunk dad at the wedding 😭😭

[@RickyBrown-k7t]

Deshaun Watson plays like Prescott hasn't got nutin

[@AdegboyegaOlatunji-cl5re]

Russell Wilson will deliver for the Steelers. I agree hope Ross Wilson good luck.

[@deehollywood6013]

Mad Dog basing his point on a half of a game in 3 years is wild 😂 He has 14 TDs and 9 ints the last 2 years.

[@Jorgan89]

The fact that mad dog’s opinion is sought after in sports commentary is wild to me

[@SalvatoreAnnarino-qe2sw]

Sitting behind Russell Wilson is going to do Justin Field some good

[@GregoryGerad]

Yea and the Steelers swept the ravens in the AFC North without Russell Wilson. Mason Rudolph scored 30 twice against the bengals and Seahawks. Steelers were 5-1 in the AFC North. Defense is king. Imagine if we had above average QB Play.

[@defrank1870]

The way to limit sacks and turnovers: RUN THE BALL. If the defense is worried about the run, the pass attack gets easier

[@lionelladner]

Mad dog is drunk!! Heck Pickett and Mason beat Baltimore too lol n they sorry🤣😂🤦‍♀️

[@jessereddragon7617]

Mad Dog and Dan nailed it, both guys have stunk in the 4th quarter, both take unnecessary sacks, and fumble the football which makes both of these signings are terrible and the Steelers win have 8 wins at the most

[@jake-thegoat]

What else could Pitt have done at qb position besides what they did last weekend?? Sign Cousins? Bring back Ben? Trade up for a draft pick who has never played an NFL snap.. haters gonna hate

[@checkmeoutyeah1501]

Mad dog needs to get off the TV. Watson ?? Who is Watson compared to what Russ brings to the table ?? Lol

[@loganconnmusic7314]

"Bro he is a great QB. Remember those 4 downs that he was unstoppable that one time last year?!?" 🤣😂

[@RageGG_]

So mad dog is saying Deshaun Watson won a game when he threw one touch down? the kicker put more points on the board in that game than he did

[@theeanonymouscollector2932]

Can you please do Justin Herbert's 4th quart stats. All of a sudden it becomes a team issue, coaching issue or defense issue. He has more interceptions than Fields does in the 4th quarter. Field's issue, I actually watched all his games instead of just looking at the stat sheet. Bears gain a lead in the 4th. The head coach would call a very conservative game plan. The lead was lost bc the defense couldn't protect the lead. Then they would ask Fields and the offense to turn it on again in the 4th. That's impossible, for a coach to completely kill the rhythm of the offense and then try to turn it back on. Watch the Denver, Browns and Lions game tell me I am wrong.

[@ceruleandawg8550]

If Kenny came in and won against the ravens on a last drive and we upgraded the position then whoever starts would be an upgrade over Watson

[@UncleBobo]

It's not an upgrade. Wins are the only thing that matter. In the last 2 years, the combinations of Pickett/Rudolph/Trubisky and Wilson/Fields have had the exact same number of wins - 19. We will have to wait until the end of the 2024 season to see if this was an "upgrade".

[@stephenzeh9861]

Mad Dog 🐶 getting paid to provide any sort of sports discussion or argument on national tv should be investigated by the FBI. Someone is paying this man to do nothing and I won’t rest until he’s brought to justice.

[@nicholasgabriel9231]

Steelers were 5-1 in the division and won 10 games with kenny, mitch and mason. Anything less than 10 wins next year is a disappointment.

[@LevelSkip]

I wonder why Watson was suspended for, wild how you can people off and the media forgets.

[@Zac15]

The Steelers just need a QB who isn't total garbage. All their money is on defense. The real question is does that approach work in the modern NFL?

[@johnbruce4003]

I’m not taking Watson over Wilson. Russell in 15 games last year was far better than the 12 career games Watson has played in Cleveland. Most over paid player in football. Oh, and Cleveland sucks!

[@szn1580]

Watson currently is slightly below or even to Russ. Watson is entering year 3 of a massive 5 year contract. If he doesn’t stay healthy and show flashes he could lose his job. Huntley could take it or they could cut their losses completely or keep him on roster etc etc

[@youcantseelim1751]

Both Steelers and Browns QB situation sucks. Steelers has not found the answer while Brown QB isn't the answer

[@stevesturm7686]

I just went back and checked. Mad Dog's take on DeShaun Watson is one of the worst I've ever seen. The Browns scored 33 points against the Ravens, sure. But he had very little to do with it. He was 20-34 with 1TD and 1 INT. 37 yards rushing and 4 sacks. That's a 74.8 passer rating and a 55.7 QBR. Neither of those numbers are anything to write home about, and of course its just one game. His only good game of the year was against the Titans. He was 27-33 for 289 and 2 TDs. Watson's Passer rating and QBR the last two years are 81.5 and 41.6. That's over 12 games, since he's always hurt these days too. Wilson's numbers in those two years are 91 and 44, so better, and that's in an ugly situation in Denver. Fields' numbers for those two years are 85.7 and 41, so still better. So, the question isn't whether the Steelers' QB room is better than the Browns, that's not even close. The question is whether both of the Steelers' QBs are better than either of the Browns' QBs.

[@steelcitysteve8794]

Mad dog: that half of deshaun Watson was so good I'd give him a massage for that.

[@Dre_Guwop]

I’m trying to find this imaginary game where Watson went crazy against Baltimore. Is he talking about November 12 2023?? When he had 1 TD, 58% 6.3 YPA and an interception? Am I tripping??

[@folabomiamoo]

I'm confused. He was suspended. Whose fault is that?

[@phreyzeva6509]

It's always funny watching Dan, who played in the league, spin words around. He pretty much said the same thing I thought when they signed them both. Shannon said it too. Russ is an older Fields (who knows where Fields will be by then), Fields is a younger Russ. If Russ doesn't work in this offense, Fields is gonna be forced to be a running QB. Which isn't gonna help his pocket game, his clock is either gonna stay slow, or be too sped up. Both QBs problems are virtually the same. Which also comes with being on 2 bad teams. Dan even said it, but had to use all these extra words 😅😅

[@fmthebaron]

Pickett and Rudolph got to those 10 wins with a 10-3 record combined. Trubisky did nothing but turn the ball over and lose all 4 games he played (JAX, ARI, NE, IND) and almost cost the team the playoffs once again like he did the previous year. Trubisky made the most money of them and contributed zero for the team.

[@spaceo8568]

This next season is gonna determine Russell Wilson's career. And if he scrubs out, the bottom line won't feel it so the Steelers are better off starting him. Apart from the fact, why get him if you're not gonna start him?

[@catbreath8361]

Russ cooking nowadays is like Typhoid Mary's cooking.

[@bradleywhisonant]

Bros yapping about Watson beating the ravens. The Steelers beat that exact ravens team TWICE, in both games the Baltimore Ravens only scored 10. I think mad dog is wrong and so is Stephen a. I’m with Dan here I’m taking the Steelers qb room over the browns any day.

[@wherexavier]

Stephen A and Mad dog have no idea how terrible Watson has been since he arrived in Cleveland. And to use the Baltimore game instead of the Titans game is laughable and tells me everything I need to know about his knowledge of Watson's recent play

[@jasonwiltsey3485]

Same game ford run for 107 yards

[@mangaz137]

What about how much the Browns are paying Deshaun for inconsistent play lol how is that not factored into the QB “situation”

[@MarioCindric]

Mad Dog just lost all his credibility with this take. Watson is over.

[@hdjx20]

i dont get why everyone's hyping up the fact the steelers got arguably the 2 QBs that analysts talked the most smack about in recent years and now they acting like steelers are brilliant. i get they gave up like nothing and they are both cheap but its so ironic

[@DEVILDOG-jv9ek]

Do people really still care what Stephanie's opinion is?

[@hollywoodheed1004]

Fields literally beat the NFC runner up Detroit…

[@letsgobrandon7297]

This could backfire on Steelers if one of two (Kenny or Mason) become elite QB’s. Fields isn’t any good and would say Kenny is just as good and Mason is better.

[@necessitydnatesting9858]

Does he forget Wilson beat the Chiefs this season before they say him.

[@Dlo407]

What mad dog talkin about. Wilson wreck KC last year in KC