Eddie Jackson: Russell Wilson starting over Justin Fields was 'the right call'

NFL veteran Eddie Jackson is on the Russell Wilson train following the Pittsburgh Steelers’ win over the New York Jets Sunday night.

Wilson was named the starting QB over Justin Fields after the latter led the Steelers to a 4-2 start. After a rusty start, Wilson started to get it going.

Jackson said Wilson gave the Steelers the extra edge on offense with his veteran presence under center.

“I think it was the right call,” Jackson told On3. “Even though the Steelers, you know, were winning with Justin Fields, I think (they were) really missing out on these down the field plays that I think you know, bringing in Russell Wilson was, as you saw last night. It kind of gave them an ability to do that. He had two major bombs down the field that really kind of changed the flow of the game and kind of really picked him up. 

“He got booed last night, which I thought was hilarious, but if you think about it, Russell Wilson hasn’t played in like a year. Didn’t really do any preseason games and go through practice, but no games, and it’s going into, like, week six, week seven, and this is his first time actually playing a full game. So he was a bit rusty at first, but he became comfortable and was able to knock down some deep throws down the field that really gave them that push that I think they needed.”

Eddie Jackson’s interview with On3 was provided by Bota Box

Despite Fields getting benched ahead of the win, Wilson is still a believer in his teammate. So regardless of how this turns out, the quarterbacks seem to be on the same page.

“We are in a tremendous situation where we are,” Wilson said postgame. “I think there’s a lot of outside noise that makes it seem like it’s a negative thing and this (is a) rivalry. It’s not. We just want to win. That’s what we’re focused on. I mean, I gotta give Justin Fields credit … Just all the things that he was able to do, how great he’s been playing, he inspires me every day how he works, vice versa.

“We have a great relationship. He’s a tremendous quarterback. He’s a franchise quarterback, he’s a leader, he’s got all the intangibles and whatever I can give to him and show him and just be around him, that’s part of my job.”