Can Justin Fields be a Long-Term Solution at QB for Steelers?

The Pittsburgh Steelers earned their first win of the season on Sunday on the road in Atlanta against the Falcons. And they did it with their backup quarterback, Justin Fields.

Due to a calf injury to starter Russell Wilson, Fields could start again in week 2 against the Broncos in Denver. And that could intensify offensive problems behind Fields.

The Steelers won on Sunday, but they did so without the benefit of a touchdown.

NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky posted on X that the Steelers will have to work around a specific Fields deficiency to be successful with him under center.

"If Fields is going to stay the starter for Pittsburgh , how do they find a quick game and efficient pass game?" Orlovsky posted on X. "I don't believe that their offense can just line up if Justin's the guy and run 'quick game,’ which is three-step catch and throw.

"They're going to have to figure out a different way with Justin to get the easy completions schematically and that's going to fall on Arthur Smith.”

Pittsburgh scored 18 points on Sunday, all from field goals by kicker Chris Boswell. That's not a sustainable offensive game plan.

Fields went 17-of-23 with 156 yards en route to the victory, but his inability to score points is glaring. He's not quick to release the ball and is prone to taking sacks. In 2023, Fields suffered the 5th most sacks in the league with 43. Unfortunately for Pittsburgh, Wilson was 4th on the list with 45.

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Both quarterbacks need a stellar offense and time to throw the ball. Right now, the Steelers' offensive line isn't providing that, and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith needs to find a scheme to fit the strengths of his signal callers.

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