Out of the 32 teams in the NFL, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots are bringing up the rear as the final two teams left to name a starting quarterback for NFL opening weekend.
The New England Patriots are currently deciding between their No. 3 overall pick in 2024, Drake Maye, and former Patriot Jacoby Brissett for who will take the reigns in Week 1 after releasing QB Bailey Zappe earlier today. Maye has represented the Patriots in the NFL Preseason, leading New England to a 1-2 record and recording 192 passing yards and one touchdown. It is still unclear if New England hopes to start Maye under the veteran Brissett or if he has already earned his QB1 position.
No matter what happens this season, just remember the Patriots have a QB on the roster that can make plays like this. pic.twitter.com/Ba0deqoL7e
— Pats Buzz (@PatsBuzz) August 26, 2024
The Steelers are deciding between two quarterbacks who are new to the organization: former Seattle Seahawk Russell Wilson and former Chicago Bear Justin Fields. Wilson and Fields both joined the Steelers in the NFL offseason, leaving Pittsburgh to decide between a veteran Super Bowl champion in Wilson and a young, talented, dual-threat quarterback in Fields.
The Steelers struggled offensively in 2023 when now-Philadelphia Eagles QB Kenny Pickett led the team down the field. In his final season with the Steelers, Pickett threw for 2,070 yards and six touchdowns, leading them to a 10-7 record.
Wilson, who was told he would play his final season with the Denver Broncos in the Fall of 2023, had been looking for a new organization for most of the 2023 NFL season. With Denver, Wilson threw for 3,070 yards and 26 touchdowns, but he was not able to produce enough wins for the Broncos to keep faith in him.
.@Akbar_Gbaja went above and beyond to present the @steelers QB battle 😂 pic.twitter.com/7K2l6frCgq
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) August 26, 2024
Justin Fields joined the Steelers in the Summer of 2024, a curious pick-up after landing Wilson earlier in the offseason. It is clear that the battle for QB1 is between these two talented quarterbacks, and with less than two weeks to the opening kickoff, the Steelers and Patriots both need to lock in which player will lead their team to start Week 1.
