‘Happy’ to have Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, T.J. Watt is hoping to learn from the new Steelers lineup.
QBs Justin Fields and Russell Wilson are just two of the many noteworthy additions the Steelers made this offseason. Wilson will start at quarterback for the Steelers in place of Kenny Pickett. While Fields will support Wilson, he has the potential to become the team’s long-term starter.
Watt told FOX4 Kansas City, “I’m excited for both of them.” Being able to have some major new players and players who have performed at a high level in the locker room, particularly Russ, a Super Bowl winner. I simply hope that I may pick up some knowledge from those folks and, ideally, demonstrate to them what we’ve been doing in Pittsburgh as well as how things are done here.
“Throughout my career, I have yet to win a playoff game, so I’m receptive to any kind of knowledge that will help us improve further. I hope those players can assist us in achieving that.”
The Steelers undoubtedly desired Wilson because of his prior success at the age of 35. He has experience in the Super Bowl, having started in two (and won one) during his time with the Seattle Seahawks. Wilson’s expertise is important because few current Steelers have advanced past the divisional round of the playoffs. The only players still in the league from 2016—when Pittsburgh last won a postseason game—are Cameron Heyward and Chris Boswell.
During his two years with the Buckeyes, Fields guided Ohio State to two Big 10 crowns, despite winning just 10 of his 28 starts in Chicago. Against Clemson in Ohio State’s 2020 College Football Playoff semifinal, he had a game to remember. Fields set a school record with six touchdown passes, helping the Buckeyes to victory with a 49-28 victory, despite sustaining a terrible injury throughout the game.
To be a real Super Bowl contender, you need to have a quarterback of the highest caliber, but depth is also crucial. Watt is hoping Fields and Wilson will offer him and his teammates the opportunity to explore areas he hasn’t before.
It’s challenging. It’s a fiercely competitive league,” Watt remarked. Particularly in our division, there is a great deal of parity. You examine every quarterback. I’m simply happy that we have one. It’s all about being active and maintaining good health. And we need to accomplish it this year.”