Pittsburgh Review

MARIO ZINNA FROM PALM BAY, FL: Have the Steelers considered using Justin Fields in a "Slash" role like they did with Kordell Stewart? Coach Mike Tomlin keeps saying he wants to utilize Fields' talent. ANSWER: There is one very significant issue that was present when the Kordell Stewart "Slash" role developed in 1995 that doesn't exist with Justin Fields in 2024, and that is this: Stewart was the No. 4 quarterback on the depth chart, behind Neil O'Donnell, Mike Tomczak, and Jim Miller; Fields is Russell Wilson's backup. As the No. 4 quarterback on the roster back in 1995, there was absolutely nothing for Stewart to do during practice each day during the season. And so when injuries at wide receiver left the Steelers short in numbers at the position during practice, Stewart was asked to help out there. Things then evolved from that point. Unlike Stewart, Fields has a full week during the season because he has to be prepared for the possibility of having to enter the game should something happen to Wilson. The real-world situations for Stewart in 1995 and Fields in 2024 are vastly different.

ROBERT KING FROM TILGHMAN, MD: Maybe I'm wrong but it seems to me that Russell Wilson's height is a disadvantage when he is in the pocket and can't see if anyone is open, thus resulting in a sack or incompletion. Blocking at times is not great either. Do you think this is a combination of problems with the lack of offensive efficiency? ANSWER: Russell Wilson is the same height today that he was when he was drafted in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft by Seattle, and he's the same height he was when he went on to accomplish many things during his career. And Wilson accomplished all those things by being able to move around within the pocket to help create throwing lanes for himself. That skill-set has allowed him to pass for 341 touchdowns and almost 45,000 yards. In my opinion, the Steelers need to do a better job of protecting Wilson to allow him to do what he always has done.

MICHAEL POLECHKO FROM MOUNT PLEASANT, PA: Just re-watched the highlights of the Browns game. On the final play, the "Hail Mary" pass into the end zone, I watched it over and over again, and it seems to me that pass interference occurred on George Pickens. He was being shoved backwards repeatedly as the ball was in air. Am I only one complaining? ANSWER: Based on Asked and Answered inbox you are certainly not only one complaining but one of realities of NFL officiating is that on-field zebras do not want make calls at end of game like that because those calls could directly impact/change outcome.

LARRY LASH FROM TARENTUM PA Not so much question but an opinion My brother I visited Hall Honor Museum definitely worth it took him birthday really enjoyed ourselves had chance call play broadcast booth Reading Asked Answered hearing how much people enjoyed tour convinced brother check out You said all Steelers fans need take tour couldn't agree more Thank you influencing My brother said great birthday gift ANSWER I'm very happy you your brother enjoyed yourselves Happy Belated Birthday him

THOMAS BATTIN FROM ROANOKE VA During Browns game some fans were using metal gong thing loud interrupted TV broadcast Why not some type delay game against home team ANSWER There were some views fans during game seemed show through snow they banging façade part Huntingdon Bank Field Annoying yes there no NFL rules prohibiting kind noise-making games If continues issue/distraction league could force team something correct situation But until happens there's nothing preventing Browns fans doing

RICHARD OVERSTREET FROM RICHMOND VA No question I'm old retired man lifelong Steelers fan get up Tuesdays Thursdays read Asked Answered ANSWER From one old man another glad service

EDUARDO MELLO FROM BRASÍLIA-DF BRAZIL How NFL schedule made never seen team play division rivals consecutive games Isn't little absurd Taking account these games more physical ANSWER Coach Mike Tomlin asked recent news conference said hadn't thought way know play six division games every year kind mindset When occur less concerned about don't control love latter part year road gets narrow weight competitor like big moments big games exciting

KIM OWENS FROM FREDERICK MD hear lot salary cap Are contracts approved league before official order allow team go over cap If penalty going over ANSWER If team signs player contract puts over salary cap league generally get touch team explain contract cannot happen because puts team over cap Team given every opportunity correct situation keep everybody under cap preferred method handling situations preventative rather punitive

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