Steelers quarterback Justin Fields has tried to stay in the pocket, but he knows he can’t always do that. And the coaches know that. Early on, and to some extent now, he’s trying to hold his own under pressure. But he and the Steelers know what kind of player he is, and they don’t shy away from it.
“No, not really. I’m trying to get everybody to work,” Fields said Sunday when asked if he and his coaches tried to stifle his instinct to run. Via Aaron Becker of X’s Yardbarker. “I think in a game where play can be stopped early, I think I’ll have to leave. But Coach, [Mike Tomlin] And Arthur [Smith]”They don’t want to take away my running instinct.”
The Chicago Bears’ 2021 first-round pick, Justin Fields, is one of the best players at the quarterback position. He runs the 40-yard dash in 4.44 seconds, but his speed still surprises you. Many Steelers defenders and coaches have already learned it in training camp.
The Steelers traded for Fields early this offseason, but he is expected to serve as Russell Wilson’s backup. Wilson has been limited by a calf injury, but Fields is making the most of his opportunity.
In practice, the Steelers want Fields to try to stay in the pocket. After all, they are building a new offense and putting in a new wide receiver. There is something to be accomplished, and it can’t be accomplished by constantly scrambling. But there is also a scrambling element, especially to prepare the other side of the ball.
“We’ve got dual-threat quarterbacks in our division who are also really good at running, so it’s always good to give the defense something to work on,” Fields said, referring to Baltimore Ravens’ Lamar Jackson, the biggest running threat at quarterback in the game. “But at the same time, you’ve got to have your DBs and your receivers do their job. You’ve got to have a good balance of running and receiving. [or pass]. Of course, if it’s not there, you’ll want to leave.
Justin Fields has accumulated 2,220 rushing yards with 14 rushing touchdowns during his career. His running ability, whether intentional or off a scramble, will always be a vital asset in his repertoire. If he plays for the Steelers this year, they will expect him to use his legs.
But they also expect him to be a quarterback first, and I think they’re making progress on that front. It could be a year or more of work, but if Fields has any hope of reviving his career as a potential franchise quarterback, ~ will do He had to rely more on his brain and arms than his athletic ability.
