The Pittsburgh Steelers have been without a franchise quarterback ever since the legendary Ben Roethlisberger retired at the end of the 2021 season. The fan base has been desperate for the team to find its next guy, and Justin Fields is one that gives a glimpse of hope. Fields, who Pittsburgh acquired from the Chicago Bears in the 2024 offseason, has two games under his belt as the Steelers' starter with Russell Wilson being sidelined due to a calf injury. As Fields stepped in as the starter, he's led the Steelers to two wins and no losses, the first time he's done so in his career.
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Steelers' Justin Fields looks to pass in Pittsburgh's Week 1 victory over the Atlanta Falcons in 2024.
Fields was dumped by the Bears after spending his first three seasons in Chicago, and the team decided to draft quarterback Caleb Williams with the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Looking for a new opportunity, Fields was happy to come to Pittsburgh, even knowing he would start off as Wilson's backup. When Wilson aggravated his calf just before the start of training camp, Fields saw his chance.
The Bears moved off of Fields partly because of his accuracy struggles and other passing inabilities. Fields is one of the fastest quarterbacks in the NFL, which is what makes him a threat.
Coming into Pittsburgh, Mike Tomlin and Arthur Smith needed to come up with a plan to improve Fields as a passer, but also take advantage of his unique abilities. Learning from behind Wilson would certainly help, but Fields was put to the test early in the season when Wilson was unable to play the first two weeks.
Former New England Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick recently spoke about the way Fields has taken advantage of his new opportunity with the Steelers. The six-time Super Bowl winning head coach for the Patriots compared Fields' situation to others like when Tom Brady came in for Drew Bledsoe and Kurt Warner for Trent Green.
"Those injuries provide opportunities. Whether that's Tom Brady coming in for Drew Bledsoe. Matt Cassel coming in for Brady. Kurt Warner coming in for Trent Green. I mean, those guys became good quarterbacks, in part because of the opportunity, unfortunately of those injuries."
Belichick continued about Fields' success so far with the Steelers, as the team is 2-0 and atop of their division with another great opportunity In Week 3 in their home opener.
"Some guys are ready to go, and it looks like Justin Fields has taken advantage of his opportunity in Pittsburgh."
In his two starts for Pittsburgh, Fields has thrown for 273 yards and one touchdown, with the best completion percentage and passer rating of his career. He also carried the ball when he needed to, 22 times for 84 yards. The developmental process of Fields will certainly take some time, but he could wind up as the Steelers' next franchise quarterback.
The Herald Star
Steelers' offensive leaders Justin Fields and Arthur Smith during warmups.
The Steelers have seriously struggled on the offense since Roethlisberger's departure, but a weapon like Fields could be the solution. He has a great deep ball which has already been on display with George Pickens, though most of their exciting connections were taken away due to questionable penalties. If Tomlin and Smith can continue to improve on Fields' weaknesses as a passer, they may have found their answer.
Steelers Are Going To Win A Lot Of Games In 2024 Regardless Of Quarterback Play
As it has been seen after two weeks, Pittsburgh's defense is legit. It's not surprising that TJ Watt and the defense are still able to win games on their own. After their two-week road trip, the defense has allowed 16 total points and only one touchdown. On top of that, the Steelers have the best turnover differential in the NFL with five above. Fields and the offense haven't given the ball away once, which is Tomlin's recipe for success.
Steelers.com
Steelers Defense terrorizing Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1 of 2024.
Health will be the biggest component of the Steelers' success late in the season as they push towards the postseason. The less injuries they suffer on the defense, the more of a problem they'll be for the top teams in the AFC.
What do you think? Can Fields become the next franchise quarterback in Pittsburgh? Let us know in the comments.
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