Steelers Justin Fields' Issue Was Chicago Deprived Him Of Essential "Fair Chance"

The Pittsburgh Steelers did something no one expected after the 2023 season. The organization swept the quarterback room clean. The team let the backups go quickly, then signed nine-time Pro Bowler Russell Wilson. They then announced the trade of former first-rounder Kenny Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles. Knowing they would need to acquire two or three more quarterbacks, they traded a conditional 2025 pick to Chicago Bears for Justin Fields.   

These two new Steelers were met with excitement, but some media criticized the moves. Is Wilson too old and/or a lousy teammate? Does Fields really have what it takes to make it in the NFL or is the former first-rounder a bust? Former Steelers running back turned analyst, Merril Hoge, recently appeared on the 102.5 DVE Morning Show with host Randy Baumann and discussed Fields and what went wrong in Chicago.   

Hoge believes that coming to Pittsburgh and playing for Head Coach Mike Tomlin might be the move that turns his career around. Fields possesses a powerful arm and is considered one of the most athletic and mobile quarterbacks in the NFL. The year Chicago drafted Fields, they didn't allow him to develop, instead, they started him in Week 3, where he was sacked nine times. Hoge thinks that Fields' newfound stability and the opportunity to learn behind Wilson might be exactly what he needs.

"Here's what Justin Fields' biggest issue was coming out of Ohio State. Biggest issue. He was raw. Two things that I look for, that you have to have, and if you don't have them, I don't care what you have after that. You cannot win in the National Football League consistently. You have to be accurate and you have to be a great processor. And he was accurate enough, but his processing was just raw," Hoge said.

The Steelers didn't have the competition for Fields that most expected. The Bears tipped their hand early that they planned to abandon ship and draft a new quarterback, likely Caleb Williams out of USC, with the first pick in the draft. After signing Wilson, Fields likely felt like a minimal risk with a lot of potential. 

One of the reasons the Steelers have remained so successful throughout so many decades is because they aren't a team that takes crazy risks. Initially, Fields' asking price probably seemed too high. But according to Hoge, the Bears own most of the responsibility for his struggles. They gave him exactly what he didn't need, constant change.

"There is no way you can develop a raw guy when you keep changing. You just can't do that. I don't think he's ever had a fair chance, to be honest with you. I believe that he does have potential...if you could hunker him down, you could give him the same system and you could develop him. If you do that, you've got a guy that I think could be very, very, very good quarterback in the National Football League."

Hoge feels that Wilson and Fields are a positive addition to the Steelers. He joked that it is two years too soon to call it a success, but expressed optimism. Those raw skills that Fields has are what led him to be the 11th overall pick in 2021. Hoge mentioned the Steelers and new Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith need to get him the stability. 

It's already assumed that Wilson will be the starter in 2024 and Fields will back him up. There are plenty who think that Wilson is washed up and that Fields could beat him out in training camp. Hoge thinks that Fields' potential rests on being allowed to grow and learn. 

Steelers New Quarterbacks Fit Well With Arthur Smith's Offense

Wilson was most successful when he played with the Seattle Seahawks for a defensive-minded head coach. Smith will have his work cut out for him to help Wilson revive his career, but this feels like a perfect fit. Smith, like Wilson, has struggled the past few years. As the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, Smith was not guiding his players to win the way he did as a coordinator for the Tennessee Titans. 

During his time in Tennessee, he revived Ryan Tannehill's career and developed a run game that propelled Derrick Henry to the top of the NFL. He used a play-action offense that relied on a strong run game and used heavy personnel packages, such as multiple tight ends. Wilson throws one of the best deep balls in the league and Smith is known for creating schemes that exploit the strengths of his players. Many feel that if anyone can make Wilson shine again it is Smith.     

What do you think about what Hoge said? Do you agree that Chicago didn't develop Fields properly? Is that why he struggled or is the problem with his ability to play? Who do you think should start in 2024? Do you think Fields can grow into the future of this franchise? Click to comment below. 

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