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First Call: Justin Fields injured; Mitch Trubisky plays; Russell Wilson's big day | TribLIVE.com
Steelers/NFL

First Call: Justin Fields injured; Mitch Trubisky plays; Russell Wilson's big day

Tim Benz
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AP
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson throws a pass in the first half Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas.

Monday’s “First Call recaps polar opposite outings from both of the Steelers’ former quarterbacks who are now in New York. We get a look at how Pittsburgh’s next opponent did Sunday.

And old friend Mitch Trubisky had some game action for the Buffalo Bills. We’ll tell you how he did.


Russ rebounds

After Russell Wilson had a lousy New York Giants debut, he put up some huge numbers in Week 2 during a shootout against the Dallas Cowboys.

The former Steeler was 30 of 41 for 450 yards and three touchdowns. He was sacked three times and intercepted once for a passer rating of 123. A week ago, he was 17 of 37 for 168 yards and no touchdowns en route to a 21-6 loss against Washington, and fans were calling for him to be benched.

Malik Nabers ended up catching nine of Wilson’s passes against the Cowboys for 162 yards and two touchdowns.

Wan’Dale Robinson added 142 yards on eight catches, including one TD. But the Giants lost 40-37 in overtime. New York is now 0-2. Dallas is 1-1.


Fields injured

Meanwhile, the other Steelers QB from last year, Justin Fields, was 180 degrees opposite — both from his own performance last week, and from Wilson.

After posting a 119 passer rating as his New York Jets (0-2) nearly beat the Steelers last week, Fields struggled in Week 2 against the reigning AFC East champion Buffalo Bills (2-0).

The 26-year-old was only 3 of 11 for 27 yards. He was also sacked twice, fumbled twice and lost one.

Fields was also diagnosed with a concussion. Tyrod Taylor had to finish the game for New York, which lost 30-10.


Mighty Mitch

Also in that game, another former Steeler played. Mitch Trubisky had to spell Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen for a while.

The defending NFL MVP left the game for a few plays with a bloody nose during action in the first quarter.

Trubisky entered the game and completed a 32-yard pass to Joshua Palmer for a first down. Trubisky then handed off on the next snap before Allen came back in to open the second quarter.

Allen ended up 14 of 25 for 148 yards, no touchdowns or interceptions. He ran for 59 yards too. A year ago, Trubisky got into nine games with the Bills, starting the season finale against New England.


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Since we brought them up

Speaking of the Patriots, they are the next opponent for the Steelers. They are also coming off an AFC East win Sunday.

New England (1-1) toppled the struggling Miami Dolphins (0-2) by a final score of 33-27. Through two games, Miami has given up 66 points. Only the Bears (79) have allowed more.

New England QB Drake Maye took advantage. He threw for three touchdowns and ran for another.

Since the Gillette Stadium opened in 2002, the Steelers are 1-7 in Foxborough.


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Tim Benz is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Tim at tbenz@triblive.com or via X. All tweets could be reposted. All emails are subject to publication unless specified otherwise.

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Categories: Sports | Steelers/NFL | Breakfast With Benz | Tim Benz Columns
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