Steelers 'never want to take away' Justin Fields' running instincts

Justin Fields is one of the NFL's best dual-threat quarterbacks.

Over the past two years, he's thrown for 4,804 yards and 33 touchdowns while also rushing for 1,800 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Although impressive, those numbers haven't translated to wins, as he has a 10-28 record as a starter, but the 25-year-old says the Steelers don't want to change the way he plays.

"Coach (Mike Tomlin) and Arthur (Smith) never want to take away my instincts as far as running goes," Fields said . "...You kinda just have to play a good balance within that, whether to run. Of course, if it's not there, then you wanna take off and allow the defenders to work on their angles."

Fields is in the midst of a quarterback competition with Russell Wilson, and while Wilson has the "pole position" to be Pittsburgh's starter, Fields knows he can still prepare his team for a year against similar-style quarterbacks.

"We have a dual-threat quarterback in our division that's very good at running, too, so it's always good to give the defense that work," Fields added. "...Not only is it Lamar (Jackson), but there's a lot of dual threat quarterbacks in the league. A guy like me being able to have that threat with my legs and being able to give the defense looks and stuff like that, that'll just get them ready for game time."

That doesn't mean Fields would be content with being the Steelers' backup, but he's solely focused on controlling what he can, and that's taking advantage of his first-team reps while Wilson is limited with a calf injury.

"I'm just trying to take advantage of each and every rep that I get," Fields said . "I know if he wasn't hurt, then I wouldn't be in this position, so it's just opportunities for me."

Only time will tell who will win Pittsburgh's quarterback competition, but if it's not Fields, the team should take advantage of his running ability in some capacity this season.

His offensive coordinator hinted that is a possibility.

"I think Justin has done a fantastic job, and we're getting to know him," Arthur Smith said. "He's a dangerous football player with the ball in his hands, so it allows you to get creative."

All quotations obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.