The Pittsburgh Steelers are on the biggest stage yet of the 2024 season this week as they host the Dallas Cowboys for Sunday Night Football. Coming after a hard fought comeback attempt led by Justin Fields last week, Pittsburgh was handed their first loss of the season, putting them at 3-1. Dallas, who is 2-2 coming off of an unconvincing win against the New York Giants, has their hands full game planning for Fields. Dallas' defensive coordinator unsurprisingly gave harsh criticism towards Fields before the season was kicked off, making this game even more important for the Steelers' starting quarterback.
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Steelers QB Justin Fields running in for a touchdown in Pittsburgh's 2024 home opener against the Los Angeles Chargers.
In the Week 4 heartbreaking loss to the Indianapolis Colts, Fields continued to improve as the offense's leader. Totaling three touchdowns through the air and on the ground, the offense had scored the most points they had all season with 24. Though the running game was non-existent with Najee Harris, Fields threw for over 300 yards and ran for over 50 yards in a game where he needed to take over.
Previewing the matchup between two of the league's most historic franchises, Pro Football Talk hosts Mike Florio and Chris Simms discussed why this game could have some extra meaning for Fields, who is still looking to earn the starting quarterback job full-time. Florio pointed out that Cowboys Defensive Coordinator Mike Zimmer was not on the Fields train in 2021 when the Ohio State quarterback was entering the NFL Draft.
"When Mike Zimmer talked to Mike Craig of the Minneapolis Star Tribune before the season started, and he aired grievances about anyone and everyone, he didn't say a word about Kirk Cousins, and it doesn't take a genius to know there was something off there between he and Cousins," Florio explained to Simms. "But he didn't say anything about Cousins because he faces Cousins Week 9."
It's widely known that Zimmer and quarterback Kirk Cousins didn't hit it off and had a few altercations on the field. Despite their history, Zimmer specifically didn't throw any shade on Cousins during the interview due to their midseason duel. Florio continued.
"However, he wasn't thinking deep enough, because he crapped on the former GM Rick Spielman for drafting Kellen Mond and for wanting to trade up and get Justin Fields in 2021. And Justin Fields hasn't done anything, that's what Zimmer said. And Justin Fields gets to do something to Zimmer on Sunday night. I guarantee you Mike Tomlin and Arthur Smith and the coaching staff are going to be telling Fields, 'Here's your chance to do something.'"
Florio anticipates some encouragement from Mike Tomlin and Arthur Smith this week as they prep with Fields for a game plan against Dallas. Putting the Steelers at 4-1 on a national broadcast would put Fields another step closer to claiming the starting job in Pittsburgh, but Zimmer's comments just might give him some extra motivation to perform.
Steelers.com
Steelers QB Justin Fields taking the field in Acrisure Stadium for his first time in the back and gold in 2024.
Fields and the Steelers have three home prime time games in the next four weeks, which gives the fourth-year quarterback his best chance to prove himself. Russell Wilson is getting anxious and ready to get back onto the field, but that will likely only occur if Fields goes on a losing spree.
Steelers' Offense Looking For More Success On The Ground With Najee Harris And Justin Fields
Through their first three victories of the season, Harris was averaging nearly 70 rushing yards per game. In their Week 4 loss to the Colts, Harris only totaled 19 yards on 13 carries, not breaking a run off longer than five yards. Cordarrelle Patterson, on the other hand, ran for 43 yards on just six attempts. Unfortunately, Patterson exited the game due to an ankle injury and is questionable against Dallas. Patterson and Jaylen Warren could potentially both be out for Sunday night, which would leave Harris and Fields mainly responsible for the run game.
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Steelers' Justin Fields and Najee Harris game planning for a big game on the ground in Week 5 of 2024.
Making up for the lack of success that Harris had behind the disappointing offensive line, Fields ran for 55 yards and two touchdowns in Indianapolis. Smith needs to start weaponizing Fields' legs more often in order to open up other aspects of the offense.
Do you think the offense will get the running game going on Sunday night? How will Fields respond to Zimmer's comments? Let us know in the comments below.
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