The Pittsburgh Steelers debuted a Justin Fields package that helped them get their biggest win of the season. By defeating the Baltimore Ravens, they put themselves in the driver’s seat of the AFC North. In fact, they have a shot at claiming the AFC’s top playoff seed.
It’s not all thanks to Justin Fields, but there’s no doubt the Steelers trusted him with key snaps Sunday. He only played three snaps the entire game, but that included two key “swing” downs on 2 and long. They wanted Fields to get them back on the right side of the chain, and he did so both times.
“It means a lot. i know arthur [Smith] They trust me a lot. The same goes for my teammates.” Justin Fields said after the game: Via Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “surely [it’s rewarding]. “I am grateful to the coaches and teammates for their trust,” he said.
The Steelers released a few Justin Fields packages on Sunday, but we don’t know what that means long-term. How much will you use in the future, whether this Thursday or a month from now? The Steelers probably won’t even know because it depends. But they know what scope of potential they see for it, perhaps an entire possession.
The Steelers started Fields for the first six games of the season while Russell Wilson recovered from a calf injury. He led the team to a 4-2 record but was benched the past three weeks. Fields revealed that the Steelers planned to use him a week ago, but never made it happen.
On the season, Fields had 248 rushing yards and five touchdowns, most of which obviously came while he was a starter. He’s coming off a 1,000-yard rushing season as the Bears’ starting pitcher, and Wilson believes he can still be a starter.
But unless Wilson really goes down or collapses, expect to see Fields only here and there. There’s a reason the Steelers made the call, and by and large, we know why. Their passing game is more explosive, consistent and sharp. This is true even if other things get in the way, such as a receiver going out of bounds.
The Steelers have decided to start Russell Wilson healthy, but it’s not about Justin Fields. Wilson was considered a starter from the beginning and was always listed as a starter. Fields is just starting out due to injury, but the Steelers have great respect for him.
The fact that they trusted him on key downs Sunday speaks volumes to both Fields’ coaches and teammates. Even though he is behind Russell Wilson as a starter, they believe in him. And his willingness and ability to contribute in this new role will endear him to them even more.
