Category: Justin Fields

Former Steelers QB wants to see Justin Fields line up at WR

Former Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger shared an unconventional idea for the Steelers offense: using Justin Fields at wide receiver.

Strange circumstances from Week 12’s loss have sparked even stranger ideas for fixing the Pittsburgh Steelers offense. While fans, analysts, and coaches have zeroed in on the Steelers’ red zone inefficiency as an area needing improvement, former Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger had an interesting suggestion of his own for the offense moving forward: Justin Fields at wide receiver.

During the most recent episode of Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger, Big Ben stated, “The nice thing is that when you use Justin a little bit at quarterback, it forces you as a defense, or opposing team, to spend a little bit of time at practice. I would like to see [them] line him up at receiver a couple times.”

Roethlisberger continued to argue that putting Fields in different positions forces defenses to spend additional time preparing to face the Steelers.

With this in mind, should the Pittsburgh Steelers implement Fields into different roles on offense, or was the failed package from Week 12 enough to discourage any further experimentation?

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How the ‘two quarterbacks’ adage explains Steelers’ offensive woes

The Steelers’ use of two quarterbacks could be directly hurting their offense, as highlighted by their Week 12 loss to the Cleveland Browns.

One of the most famous and wise football adages, often attributed to the legendary John Madden, applies perfectly to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ struggles on offense: “If you have two quarterbacks, you have none.”

While much unnecessary energy has been spent on the Week 12 blame game and recent offensive struggles, the Mike Tomlin-led Steelers may be missing the bigger picture—bringing Justin Fields into games could be hurting the long-term offensive game plan.

Pittsburgh receivers need time to build chemistry with one decisive quarterback, and the offense must be led confidently by a single starter. This was evident in Week 12 when Russell Wilson was kept off the field for a critical third-down play—a play that better suited his strengths. Instead, Fields took the snap and ultimately missed his deep throw to WR George Pickens. The Steelers would go on to lose the game to the Browns, 24-19.

Wilson must be allowed to lead the offense without worrying about being pulled. Consistency is crucial, especially as the Steelers prepare for what is shaping up to be a shootout with the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 13, on December 1st at 1:00 PM EST.

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Steelers QB disappointed in one particular play from Week 12

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Justin Fields reflects on a missed scoring opportunity during Week 12’s loss to the Cleveland Browns.

It’s safe to say that Pittsburgh Steelers QB Justin Fields is upset about more than just his team’s loss in Week 12 to the Cleveland Browns. Steelers OC Arthur Smith implemented Fields’ rushing package early and often against the Browns, with little success to show for it.

Perhaps the only meaningful rushing attempt worth mentioning was Fields’ 30-yard run that almost resulted in a touchdown. The keyword here is “almost,” as instead of rushing for 65 yards to the end zone, Fields was pushed out at the Browns’ 35-yard line.

Ultimately, according to ESPN reporter Brooke Pryor, Fields claimed his inability to score on the play made him “sick” and blamed it on being on the sideline for too long.

It is clear that Fields is referencing his time on the bench, while starting QB Russell Wilson handled the majority of the offensive duties. Should the Pittsburgh Steelers allow Fields to get more reps with his rushing package to stay loose, or will his presence only hinder the Wilson-led Steelers offense?

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Will Steelers rein in Justin Fields package following Week 12 blunder?

Will the Steelers dial back their usage of Justin Fields’ rushing package to avoid mistakes in Week 13 against the Bengals?

In the always fun and never tiring game of ‘who to blame next for Week 12’s loss to Cleveland,’ there appears to be a common denominator in Steelers OC Arthur Smith’s usage of the Justin Fields package.

It is tough to decipher, but much of the shortcomings from the Pittsburgh Steelers’ loss to the Cleveland Browns fall on Smith’s mishandling of Fields in Week 12.

In situations where QB Russell Wilson should have stayed in the game, he was subbed out for Fields. In scenarios where Fields could have better utilized his legs, the plays often completely fell apart.

Some fans may argue that the confusion and inconsistency behind the package is the primary reason why the Wilson-led offense fell flat, such as the awkward attempt to ice the game in fourth quarter.

With this in mind, should Smith be forced to dial back the designed runs for Fields? After all, the Pittsburgh Steelers face an extremely underrated Cincinnati Bengals team in Week 13 and could do without falling victim to another trap game.

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Why Justin Fields is the Steelers’ X-factor heading into Week 12’s TNF

The Justin Fields package helped secure a Week 11 win for the Steelers and could play a major role against Cleveland’s defense in Week 12.

While it can be argued that too much blame is being placed on Russell Wilson’s shoulders for the Steelers’ Week 11 offensive struggles, one key takeaway from Pittsburgh’s offense remains: the ‘Justin Fields package‘ was immaculate.

The Fields rushing package has been teased since the Steelers traded for the former Bears QB, and it finally came to fruition in Week 11 against the Baltimore Ravens.

The Steelers brought Fields in for a QB power play and two QB-RB options that helped seal the Week 11 victory for Pittsburgh. In Week 12, facing a relentless Cleveland pass rush led by 2023 Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, the Steelers may be forced to rely on the Fields package as the focal point of the rushing attack.

Fields isn’t just a running QB; he can also sling it deep if the game script calls for it, and this versatility could prove to be Cleveland’s downfall in the upcoming Thursday Night Football game.

Will Steelers OC Arthur Smith utilize both Wilson’s and Fields’ greatest strengths in unison? Between Wilson’s ‘moon ball’ and Fields’ speed, not many defenses in the league can prepare for this offensive tandem.

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How the Justin Fields package became the Steelers’ secret weapon

The Pittsburgh Steelers may have unlocked their ultimate offensive weapon with the debut of the Justin Fields rushing-package in Week 11.

In what can only be described as a purely defensive contest, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Week 11 victory over the Baltimore Ravens paved the way for the debut of the long-awaited ‘Justin Fields package’ on offense.

Russell Wilson struggled against the Ravens’ defense, throwing for 205 yards while completing 63.9% of his passes and producing his lowest QBR of the season: 67.5. However, much of the blame should be placed on Pittsburgh’s pass protection, as the Ravens constantly had Wilson under pressure and sacked him four times.

Where the offense looked promising, however, was in several Justin Fields packages that featured three plays: one QB-power play and two QB-RB option plays that sealed the Steelers’ Week 11 victory.

Wilson’s ‘moon ball’ is a deep threat unlike anything the NFL has seen this season, but Pittsburgh’s implementation of Fields’ rushing abilities will make opposing defenses second-guess every meeting with the Steelers.

Wilson and Fields can tear through defenses in their own unique ways, and it was refreshing for fans to see what the Pittsburgh Steelers will be capable of moving forward when utilizing both talented QBs.

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Steelers QB Justin Fields (literally) falls short of playing hero in Ravens win

Justin Fields provided a spark the struggling Pittsburgh Steelers offense needed, despite sliding short of the first-down marker.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields took the field for the first time since Russell Wilson regained his starting position ahead of Week 7. Known for his dual-threat ability, Fields provided a spark in critical moments for an offense that sometimes struggled to find rhythm.

With the final minute of the clock ticking down, Fields faked a hand-off to Najee Harris and took off upfield with one goal: Get a first down to end the game.

Unfortunately, Fields slid too early, ahead of the first-down marker and fell one yard short of playing hero in Pittsburgh’s win over Baltimore. On the ensuing play, Harris managed a play up the middle for the critical yard to seal the win.

What matters is that the Steelers won despite an anemic outing from the offense. The win keeps them in the AFC North lead and highlights what we already knew—Fields’ presence can provide a spark. Pittsburgh could have unlocked a new dimension of its offense just in time for the playoff push.

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Why the Steelers should keep Justin Fields over Russell Wilson

The Pittsburgh Steelers front office and Mike Tomlin have a critical decision to make after the 2024 NFL season comes to a close.

Omar Khan, Art Rooney II and Mike Tomlin have a critical decision to make after the 2024 NFL season comes to a close. I wrote on Monday about why the Pittsburgh Steelers should keep Russell Wilson over Justin Fields. There’s an equally intense case to be made for Fields over Wilson.

Fields presents a compelling choice over veteran Wilson as the Steelers’ front office considers their quarterback options. While Wilson’s experience is impressive, Fields offers distinct advantages that align with the Steelers’ long-term strategy and growth potential.

Justin Fields’ youth and long-term potential

At only 25, Fields has a decade-plus ahead of him, allowing the Steelers to invest in a young quarterback who can evolve within the team’s system. Fields’ age makes him a prime candidate to develop chemistry with younger Steelers players, creating a foundation for sustainable success. With Wilson approaching his 36, his prime years are behind him, while Fields is just beginning to tap into his potential.

Justin Fields’ athleticism and dual-threat ability

Fields is one of the most athletically gifted quarterbacks in the modern league. His dual-threat abilities make him a dangerous weapon in passing and rushing, adding a layer of unpredictability that could invigorate the Steelers’ offense. Fields’ skill set aligns with today’s NFL’s evolving nature, where quarterback mobility and versatility are key elements to an offense. His dynamic playing style would give Pittsburgh’s offense a new edge that would be harder to achieve with Wilson’s more traditional approach.

Justin Fields presents a cost-effective option

Financially, Fields is a more cost-effective choice. Should Fields finish his first season with the Steelers riding pine, there’s the backup quarterback label. Wilson’s veteran status and accomplishments could come with a significant price tag. Should Fields agree to stay with Pittsburgh on an affordable deal, it would allow the Steelers to allocate resources to other areas, such as continuing to strengthen their offensive line or adding elite receivers.

Choosing Fields over Wilson isn’t just about the present; it’s a forward-thinking decision. By committing to Fields, the Steelers can position themselves for future success with a talented, versatile young leader ready to define the next era of Pittsburgh football.

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Steelers HC Mike Tomlin reveals loose plans for Justin Fields

As long as Justin Fields is on the Pittsburgh Steelers roster, expect him to be in consideration for game-time action. 

As long as Justin Fields is on the Pittsburgh Steelers roster, expect him to be in consideration for game-time action.

As for whether we’ll see a Fields package in this second half of the season, Mike Tomlin said today, “I would always anticipate seeing that as long as both guys are on our roster.”

A week after Russell Wilson was deemed the starter, Fields popped up on Pittsburgh’s injury report. It’s unknown when he suffered a hamstring injury since Fields wasn’t listed among the players after their final practice.

The Steelers made him the emergency No. 3 quarterback behind Kyle Allen for their Week 8 matchup with the New York Giants. “We didn’t want a small problem to become a big problem,” said Tomlin. “We designated him the third quarterback, but given the bye week and the week that’s ahead of us, we are not imagining that to be a problem.”

As usual, Tomlin said the Steelers would “let participation be our guide” regarding whether Fields will take any snaps versus the Washington Commanders.

There’s far too much talent to leave Fields on the sideline. Pittsburgh needs an injection of his dynamic play-making ability on offense.

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Is Justin Fields playing today? Injury updates for Steelers QB

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields is dealing with a hamstring injury. Here are the latest updates.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are 30 minutes away from announcing their game-time decision on whether quarterback Justin Fields will be sidelined or suit up to backup starter Russell Wilson.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported earlier today that sources say Fields’ injury is not major, and he’s not missed practice time.

Justin Fields injury update

On Sunday morning, ESPN’s Brooke Pryor tweeted on X that Fields (hamstring) was added to the injury report as questionable and would be a game-time decision. He was not listed on Saturday’s initial report.

How long will Justin Fields be out?

It would be a surprise if the Steelers included Fields among active players with 60 minutes to spare before their Week 9 bye. If Pittsburgh truly intends to use Fields in limited packages in the future, there’s no sense in starting now and risking further injury.

If Rapoport’s sources are correct that Fields’ injury isn’t currently a major concern, but the Steelers hold him out as a precaution, he should return to his backup role for the Washington Commanders showdown in Week 10.

Steelers QB depth chart

If Fields is inactive and something happens with starter Russell Wilson,  veteran journeyman Kyle Allen take over quarterback duties. There is no fourth option on the Steelers depth chart.

With Fields officially relegated to the backup role before last week’s New York Jets game, there are no immediate implications should Fields be sidelined this week.

The Steelers have a much-needed Week 9 bye for banged-up players to get right before their brutal second-half stretch of opponents.

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