Steelers fans were left baffled during Week 12 after offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s decision to bench Russell Wilson in critical moments in favor of Justin Fields. Wilson, a proven veteran and key contributor to Pittsburgh’s strong season, had led the team to an 8-2 record and first place in the AFC North. Yet, in a game against the Cleveland Browns, Fields—a younger, less experienced quarterback—was called in for high-stakes fourth-and-short plays. The results were disastrous, leaving fans and analysts questioning the move.
Fields, who started the season for Pittsburgh while Wilson recovered from injury, had been largely sidelined since the veteran’s return. Wilson’s steady leadership and performance helped secure a 4-0 record entering Week 12. However, Smith chose to use Fields in specific situations, banking on his mobility to convert short-yardage plays. The gamble failed. One attempt led to a false start penalty after the offensive line misread the cadence, and the other resulted in a turnover on downs as the Browns defense stuffed the play in the backfield.
Fans quickly took to social media to express their frustration, with many questioning why Wilson wasn’t trusted in those moments. Critics argued that the predictable nature of the play calls made it easy for the Browns to anticipate the quarterback runs. One fan wrote, “Bad play call—leave Wilson in! They know Fields is gonna run.” Another added, “Might as well keep Russ in and go for it. Fields comes in, and the Browns know exactly what’s coming.”
While some supported Fields, blaming the offensive coordinator for poorly designed plays, the general consensus was clear: removing Wilson sent a signal to the defense, undermining Pittsburgh’s chances of success. Many believed Wilson’s veteran awareness and ability to adapt under pressure would have been a better fit for those critical moments.
Arthur Smith had previously hinted that Fields could still contribute through specialized packages, stating before the game, “It’ll be ready to go when we need it… I’m confident it’ll make a difference.” Unfortunately, the implementation of these packages against Cleveland fell flat. Instead of adding a dynamic edge, the decision highlighted inefficiencies in the Steelers’ strategy.
As the Steelers continue their playoff push, fans will be watching closely to see if Smith adjusts his approach. For now, the decision to bench Wilson in favor of Fields remains a sore point in what has otherwise been a stellar season for Pittsburgh.
