When the 2023 season came to an end, the Dallas Cowboys knew they’d be facing off against the Pittsburgh Steelers at some point this season. In fact, because of divisional rotations, that’s been known for a while now. What remained unknown was which quarterback they’d have to defend against. After a couple years of trying to make Kenny Pickett a thing, it was clear Mike Tomlin and company would be going a different direction in 2024.
For much of the offseason, it appeared the quarterback Dallas would have to defend against would be former Super Bowl champion Russell Wilson, on his third team in three-plus years. After flaming out for much of his time in Denver, the Broncos ate a ridiculous amount of dead money and sent him packing. The Steelers grabbed him, but also traded for former No. 1 selection Justin Fields from Chicago.
Wilson has been Pittsburgh’s No. 1 QB, but a preseason injury gave Fields the starting gig, and it appears he’ll hold onto it for Week 5 despite Wilson’s improving health.
Asked Mike Tomlin if he’s preparing for Justin Fields to start Sunday as he stands here today:
“Yes I am.” https://t.co/etpJ7yB7Fd
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) October 1, 2024
Fields hasnt exactly set the world on fire in the passing game, aside from his 312-yard Week 1 performance, but he’s been a steady hand under center for the Steelers, leading them to a 3-1 record. He’s thrown for 830 yards, three TDs and just one interception thus far this season, while maintain his dual-threat ability with 145 yards on the ground and another three scores.
Fields is currently the seventh-ranked QB in PFF’s passer rankings, grading out at a 78.1. His adjusted completion percentage (% of aimed passes thrown on target (completions + drops / aimed) ranks second among QBs with at least 90 snaps at 82%, as his stats are a bit muted based on a 6.1% drop rate from his targets.
He’s playing the position as well as he has in his entire career.
The Cowboys are just two weeks removed from facing, and being embarrassed by another AFC North opponent and their running QB, Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens. Fields is not on the same plateau of Jackson, but he presents a similar threat for a defense that is still trying to find their footing under new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer.
Fortunately Pittsburgh’s OC Arthur Smith doesn’t have roots in the Shanahan offensive system, but he is still going to present problems for a club that will be playing without their two starting edge rushers.
The Steelers haven’t outright committed to this being Fields’ show, but that may be out of respect for the veteran and what he’s accomplished in the league rather than there being a question truly attached. SIf Fields starts to struggle, then Tomlin has every avenue to pursue an improvement. Hopefully the Dallas defense will create that concern on Sunday night.