Before quarterback Russell Wilson guided the Pittsburgh Steelers to what became a rather comfortable 37-15 home win over the New York Jets this past Sunday night, Wilson heard some boos as he and the offense failed to impress across the game’s opening half.
During the latest edition of his “Not Just Football” podcast, veteran Steelers defensive lineman Cameron Heyward criticized those who chanted Justin Fields’ name as Wilson worked to shake off understandable rust.
“I just say be patient, man. Everything happens for a reason,” Heyward said, as shared by Ross McCorkle of Steelers Depot. “Trust the process, trust in the team. Trust that we have your best interest at heart. Trust in Russ. Trust in us. It’s not always gonna be what you want, but it’s what you need.”
Many individuals within the NFL community criticized Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin for giving Wilson the nod against the Jets after Fields helped the club begin the season with four wins across six games. Wilson temporarily silenced such doubters when he completed 16-of-29 passes for 264 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions to go along with a rushing score in the double-digit victory.
There’s no indication Tomlin will turn back to Fields for the upcoming “Monday Night Football” game between the 5-2 Steelers and 2-5 New York Giants at Pittsburgh’s Acrisure Stadium. As of Thursday afternoon, DraftKings Sportsbook listed the Steelers as six-point favorites over a Giants team that may be a few months away from parting ways with its head coach and general manager.
Heyward understands some fans are just waiting for Wilson to stumble so that they can again clamor for Fields to start. Even if Wilson plays at an elite level, logic suggests he won’t run the table through Week 18.
“Those keyboard warriors, man,” Heyward added. “Just be patient. Trust the team for making decisions because, the way y’all talk, we wouldn’t have a football team in about a year or less than that because we’re so quick to jump off ship. You lose one game, then it’s like, ‘Oh my gosh, the season’s over.'”
Heyward repeatedly had Wilson’s back over the summer as outsiders called for Tomlin to name Fields Pittsburgh’s Week 1 starter. Tomlin deserves credit for his handling of what could still become a delicate situation, but one can’t help but wonder how quickly fans will turn on Wilson and the offense if the Steelers trail the lowly Giants at any point after the first quarter of Monday’s game.
