Former Seahawks star deals tragic setback to Russell Wilson's HOF hopes after Steelers quarterback's poor performance

“If you’re Russell Wilson, if you’re in the Hall of Fame, if you’re one of the better quarterbacks of this generation, you have to be able to win the game,” TJ Houshmandzadeh's words were like a perfect spiral that could cut through the air. The former Seahawks wide receiver didn't hold back and continued: “You have to be able to last two minutes of the game. We're down five points. You drive us down the field and get us a touchdown.” It is a harsh criticism of Wilson's disastrous preseason performance, which clearly shows how much he has fallen from being a once outstanding quarterback.

From Seattle's savior to Pittsburgh's question mark feels like a movie tragedy. This has put him in an uncertain position where he will fight for his starting spot and also how he will be remembered as the nine-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl-winning QB now fights for his NFL career. On SPEAK today, Houshmandzadeh did not mince words about Wilson's chances, “He didn't show enough to be a starter in Week 1, because if he had, Mike Tomlin would have made him the starter.”

The quarterback’s downfall was as sudden as it was dramatic. After his forced departure from Seattle, Wilson’s time in Denver proved disastrous. He got off to a terrible start with the Broncos, finishing the season with just four wins and 11 losses while posting his worst passer rating ever of just 84.4. Even a slight improvement from him last year (3070 yards, 26 TDs, 8 INTs) couldn't save him from being benched after the Week 16 loss to the New England Patriots. This is not the same quarterback that had Seahawks fans chanting “Let Russ cook!”

Now in Pittsburgh, Wilson may be facing the biggest challenge of his career. As Denver Broncos legend Mark Schlereth put it bluntly on The Stinkin Truth podcast last week: “We’re watching a future Hall of Famer play his way out of the Hall of Fame.” Can the 35-year-old show that he still has what it takes to call himself “Mr. Unlimited” or will he simply become a cautionary tale in this league?

To make matters worse, Wilson seems to be too proud. By deciding to leave Seattle, Wilson wanted to replicate Tom Brady's success in Tampa Bay.“Ultimately, it’s your legacy, the legacy of your team.” Wilson once said this on the Dan Patrick Show. “One of the reasons Tom went to Tampa was because he felt he could trust these guys and [Bucs head coach] Bruce [Arians] would give him a chance.” That mistake now haunts him as he fights for relevance in Pittsburgh.

Justin Fields is the outsider with championship dreams

While Wilson ponders what he will be remembered for, Justin Fields begins to write his own compelling story. As fast as he runs out of the pocket, the former quarterback of the Chicago Bears has caused a stir. “I think the time I spent with the [first team] “I think the training in the training camp went well,” Fields told reporters and it was clear that he had a lot of confidence.

Head coach Mike Tomlin, known for his pragmatic attitude, recognized Fields’ potential. “I want to see [Fields] show some of the things we have seen here in practice,” Tomlin told press officials on August 22. “Similar to what I said before [with] the offensive unit, we had some really good days and [have] has shown a really high level with the potential for spectacular moves.”

Fields had decent numbers in the preseason, completing 16 of 23 passes for 159 yards, with 11 carries for another 44 yards. It's a small sample size, but one that has Steelers fans excited at this point. With the last preseason duel against the Detroit Lions On deck, Fields gets one last chance to show that he is more than just a backup option.

The quarterback battle in Pittsburgh is more than just a decision about the lineup. It's a referendum on the future of the Steelers' offense. Should they rely on his experience and Wilson's resurgence, or should they embrace Fields' youth and promise? And as the 2024 season approaches, Steelers Nation waits with bated breath to see if it will be “Let Russ Cook: The Sequel” or “Fields of Dreams” – in the Steel City.

As Houshmandzadeh aptly noted: “I think deep down Mike Tomlin feels he can do more with Justin Fields, but he's unsure and he's holding on to the Russell Wilson of 2018.” Russell Wilson is running out of time; he can't afford one more snap that could mean the difference between tragedy and a Hall of Fame nomination.