Russell Wilson vs. Justin Fields stats today: Steelers QB battle heats up after ugly performances vs. Bills

David Suggs

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Russell Wilson vs. Justin Fields stats today: Steelers QB battle heats up after ugly performances vs. Bills image

The Steelers find themselves in a curious position ahead of the 2024 NFL season. Mike Tomlin's squad has not one but two new signal-callers in its ranks, both of whom yearn for the opportunity to open the year as Pittsburgh's unquestioned No. 1.

Russell Wilson and Justin Fields took different paths to reach this point. Wilson was the highly touted veteran who fell short of the expectations befitting of his big-money deal with the Broncos, while Fields was the young star who couldn't quite hit his potential as a member of the Bears. Both were acquired for next to nothing this offseason, immediately colliding with one another in the hopes of sitting on Pittsburgh's QB throne come the start of the regular season.

The next chapter in their closely watched contest took place on Saturday at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. Wilson and Fields both attempted to make their claim for the starting gig against the Bills.

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Neither hurler made much of a dent on the scoreboard in the end, as Buffalo walked out 9-3 victors. Nevertheless, the showcase was one that captivated many, if only for Wilson and Fields' compelling duel against one another.

Here's a closer look at the two gunslingers' showings on Saturday night.

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Russell Wilson vs. Justin Fields stats today

Wilson opened the game under center, taking helm of the offense for most of the first two quarters. He proceeded to put up a solid, if unspectacular stat line, completing eight of his 10 pass attempts for 47 yards, zero scores, and zero interceptions.

The 35-year-old was mostly resigned to the dink-and-dunk game, unable to let his arm flourish. His offensive line could very well have had something to do with it; Wilson was dumped three times behind the line of scrimmage, losing 21 yards in total. He completed a potential highlight-reel throw to George Pickens that almost certainly would've led to points, possibly a touchdown, but Pickens narrowly missed keeping his second foot inbounds.

His understudy, Fields, supplanted the veteran toward the end of the second quarter. Much like his predecessor, Fields wasn't quite able to progress the ball down the field, recording totals of 92 yards and 11 completions out of 17 pass attempts. He was impressive in the 2-minute drill at the end of the first half, leading Pittsburgh's only scoring drive of the night, but that was his best series. 

MORE: Mike Tomlin gives Russell Wilson, Justin Fields a pass after preseason Week 2

Fields was far more dynamic than his positional adversary, adding an additional 42 yards (on eight carries) from the ground. His explosiveness didn't result in many points, but it certainly left an imprint on those watching, at least when compared to Wilson. Unfortunately, Fields was unable to convert two fourth-and-shorts inside the Bills 20-yard line late in the game, and he missed an open receiver in the end zone by five yards at another point.

Below is a full look at Wilson and Fields' stats from Saturday's clash at Acrisure Stadium:

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Russell Wilson Justin Fields
8/10Comp/Att11/17
80Comp. Pct64.7
47Pass Yards92
86.2Rate78.6
4.7Yards/Att5.4
0Rush Yds42
0Rush TDs0
0INTs0
3Sacks1

Russell Wilson, Justin Fields highlights vs. Bills

Neither Wilson nor Fields had all that impressive of a night under the lights on Saturday. There were a few moments from both that stood out during the contest, however.

Fields was the more active of the two, conjuring up a spell outside the pocket before finding George Pickens with a delicate feed along the sideline. 

He wasn't infallible, however. He also had an unfortunate turnover on downs on fourth-and-goal, with some noting that if he handed the ball to tailback Aaron Shampklin on the read option, Pittsburgh would've likely found pay dirt.

Fields had a chance to make a play late in the game, but he failed to deliver the ball on time and/or on target to a wide-open receiver near the goal line. His receiver didn't adjust well on the play, but Fields needed to recognize this opening earlier.

Wilson's day was far less dramatic than that of his counterpart. He spent much of it on his backside, unable to evade Buffalo's lively front seven. Father Time waits for no one, not even a nine-time Pro Bowler like Wilson.

That said, had Pickens been able to drag his toe on this play, Wilson likely would've been declared the "clear winner" of the night. Truly a game of inches.

David Suggs

David Suggs Photo

David Suggs is a content producer at The Sporting News. A long-suffering Everton, Wizards and Commanders fan, he has learned to get used to losing over the years. In his free time, he enjoys skateboarding (poorly), listening to the likes of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and D’Angelo, and penning short journal entries.