The Pittsburgh Steelers will start Russell Wilson over Justin Fields during their season opener against the Atlanta Falcons, but that doesn't mean it was an easy decision.

"It's been a challenging and good experience for me and for us to be quite honest with you," head coach Mike Tomlin said Wednesday during an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show.

"As we got into camp and it really got competitive, it became evident that the decision was going to be difficult. Justin's talents are more than I anticipated, particularly his mobility and the things he can do and create. That was really exciting. Russ' deep ball is even more impressive than his reputation, and I've seen it for 10-plus years."

Tomlin also highlighted Wilson's experience and how both quarterbacks conducted themselves in a "positive way."

Just because Wilson is starting, though, doesn't mean the Falcons can stop being aware of Fields.

The coach said he could implement a package with Fields, adding "there's too much talent to be sitting around watching."

It has always seemed like Wilson had the edge leading up to the season in the quarterback battle, and his resume is better than Fields'. The starter was a Super Bowl champion and nine-time Pro Bowler during his time on the Seattle Seahawks, although he was just 11-19 as a starter the last two seasons with the Denver Broncos.

Fields never became the franchise quarterback the Chicago Bears were hoping for, and the franchise traded him to Pittsburgh this offseason as it pivoted to Caleb Williams.

Still, Fields is on the short list of the most athletic quarterbacks in the league and isn't far removed from finishing in ninth place in MVP voting with 1,143 yards and eight touchdowns as a runner in 2022.

His ability to make plays with his legs can be a nightmare for opposing defenses, and Tomlin seems ready to take advantage of that even if Wilson is the primary quarterback.