Russell Wilson remains in pole position to be the Pittsburgh Steelers starting quarterback - but head coach Mike Tomlin doesn’t want to “squash” Justin Fields ’ natural instincts.
The Chicago Bears selected Fields with the No. 11 pick of the 2021 NFL Draft , and while he's yet to lead the team to a winning record, his annual improvement as a dynamic quarterback is encouraging. The 25-year-old is one of the most exciting dual-threat quarterbacks in the league, and he offers something different to Wilson after being traded to the Steelers in March.
Across his four years in the NFL , Fields’ best season came in 2022. The quarterback rushed for 1,143 yards and 8 touchdowns while adding 2,242 yards through the air.
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His legs are perhaps his biggest weapon; in 40 career games, Fields has 2,220 rushing yards on 356 attempts with 14 touchdowns. Speaking to ‘Up And Adams’ host Kay Adams, Tomlin explained how he wants to bring out
When asked to describe how he has been coaching Fields, Tomlin said: “You know, I guess the big thing is the message, informally or formally, that I want to continue to relay to him is I don't wanna squash his natural instincts. His mobility and escapability is a weapon, and we don’t want to minimize that. We don’t want him overthinking.
“We want him to play fast and fluid, so if anything from a messaging standpoint, I’ve probably mentioned that to him a few times. He’s new to the environment. I don’t want him to over-analyze what we might be thinking. I want him to do what comes natural as it pertains to his game.”
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After being released by the Denver Broncos , Wilson signed a one-year deal with the AFC North franchise. However, Wilson’s availability has been considerably limited during the first two weeks, which allows Fields crucial opportunities to lead the first-team offense.
The plan was for Fields to work on developing his game while Wilson led the Steelers. While that remains the strategy for Tomlin, Fields’ performances are turning heads.
Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith praised Fields recently, saying via the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette : “He's a dangerous football player with the ball in his hands. It allows you to get creative. Maybe you change up a little bit of a defensive game plan for him. Certainly, he adds a different element.”
Fields' mobility fits Smith's offense like a glove. Along with showing off his arm, Fields' rushing ability could be a big element of Pittsburgh's offense if he snatches the reins from Wilson going forward.
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