Justin Fields’ Opportunity Literally Slipped Though His Fingers
Credit: Barry Reeger-USA TODAY Sports
I’ve said from Day 1 that, despite the hopes of some Steelers fans, you shouldn’t buy into a quarterback competition in Pittsburgh. Mike Tomlin’s long history of deference to veterans and Russell Wilson’s commanding resume gave me every reason to believe that this was always Wilson’s job to lose. Yet, as Wilson’s unavailability lingered and Justin Fields took first-team reps, the backup had a serious opportunity to heap some serious pressure on Tomlin and Wilson. Fields got the start on Friday, and the former Bear let it slip right through his fingers. Literally. Twice, with two fumbled snaps.
Again, even if Fields had performed at the level Kenny Pickett showed last preseason, Wilson was never in danger of losing his “pole position.” What Fields could have done, however, is shorten Wilson’s leash. Over the past two seasons, the Steelers have started three quarterbacks. Both in 2022 and 2023, quarterbacks were replaced due to poor performance. Mitch Trubisky was usurped in each season by younger, less experienced quarterbacks. Tomlin’s willingness to play the hot hand should be in the back of Wilson’s mind as the season begins. But based on Fields’ performance on Friday, Wilson has a longer runway than many believed.
Fields’ first outing as a Steeler wasn’t all bad. He completed five of his six attempts for 67 yards. His one incomplete pass would likely have been overturned had Tomlin challenged the ruling on the field. Having said that, the ball on question was clearly behind Van Jefferson. Had Fields delivered a starting-QB-caliber throw, the drive could have continued, and Fields could have continued to right a ship that got off course early.
The two fumbled snaps certainly hurt the eye test, particularly when those errors have marred the Steelers in recent years. Mason Cole was run out of town for errant snaps, and Maurkice Pouncey spotted the Browns 6 points with a high snap on the first play of their playoff loss in the 2020 season. Fans were eager to place the blame on veteran lineman Nate Herbig. They have a case, too. The quarterback-center exchange was flawless once rooke Zach Frazier stepped in. Nevertheless, taking snaps under center is critical in Arthur Smith’s offense, and there is no guarantee of health in the NFL. The buck stops with the quarterback, he needs to elevate those around him. Fields’ inability to secure the ball is an indictment of his preparedness for a starting role.
Fields also absorbed two sacks in his debut, which was an issue that plagued him during his time in Chicago. The fourth-year quarterback has been criticized for his inability to get through his progressions quickly. He struggled to find his man and pull the trigger against a basic preseason defense. Holding onto the ball too long, he maneuvered into pressure, not showing the improved pocket presence many saw during camp. It leads me to believe the regular season would be more of the same.
Fields can still develop into an NFL starter. Reports have indicated he is making steady improvements in his footwork and decision-making. That development could end with Fields taking on the starting job for Pittsburgh in future seasons. As for now, however, Wilson shouldn’t be worried about his job security, and fans should hope for veteran consistency at the quarterback position in 2024
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