Steelers' Justin Fields Could Be Set Up For Failure In A Similar Way To Kenny Pickett In 2023

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a question mark at the quarterback position for the 2024 season and beyond. All of the best teams in the NFL that are set up for success have a franchise quarterback. The Steelers could have one on their roster in Justin Fields, but no one will know until he takes meaningful snaps in real game situations. This is exactly what training camp and the preseason is for, and Fields has been impressing so far in practices. Now, it's crucial that he replicates that success against opposing teams.

Pittsburgh Head Coach Mike Tomlin spoke earlier in the week about the playing time players will receive during the preseason. Fields is expected to play a few series in the team's first preseason game, which may not be enough. Kenny Pickett played five series total during the 2023 preseason and was nearly perfect, but things fizzled out once the regular season rolled around. Steelers insider Mike DeFabo shared his concern that the same thing could happen to Fields during an appearance on 93.7 The Fan.

"I was disappointed to hear Mike Tomlin say that the starters, including Justin Fields, were only going to get a couple series. 'Cause I can't understand that. You have a guy who is not under contract next season, there is no guarantee you have Justin Fields beyond this year. Your entire thought process in the preseason should be, number one - develop him, number two - get a really good look at him and evaluate him, and determine if he could be a part of your future. Get him the reps."

Fields has looked impressive during training camp practices of late, but he is going against the same defensive unit every day. He is seeing a lot of the same looks. 

It's good to see him show progress, but it likely isn't the best way to read how he will perform in a game against an actual opponent. Pittsburgh was raving about Pickett going into the 2023 season based off his preseason performance, and it didn't go well. 

"I feel like it's going to be similar to what happened to Kenny last year, he goes out and has five great series, everyone's talking about a year two leap, then he fizzles in the regular season. I wonder what would of happened had the Steelers actually played and developed Kenny through the preseason. I feel like they're doing Justin Fields a disservice by not playing him more in the preseason and letting him show what he can do."

Pickett was essentially flawless during the 2023 preseason, and big things were expected of him as he went into his second season. Unfortunately, he took steps backwards. He struggled most of the season, and got hurt late in the year on what was his last play in a Steelers uniform. 

Steelers Need To Be Careful With How They Handle Justin Fields

Fields is currently the backup behind Russell Wilson, but he could be the future of the Steelers organization at the quarterback position. The coaching staff should be taking every opportunity to evaluate the young quarterback, especially during preseason games. If he isn't going to be the starter to begin the year, there shouldn't be any harm in giving him extended playing time during preseason games. He just needs to understand to be careful and protect himself from unnecessary hits.

Fields has certainly closed the gap between him and Wilson on the Steelers' depth chart, but it is unlikely he is able to overtake the veteran quarterback ahead of the regular season. Wilson has been in "pole position" since the organization traded for Fields, and it seems they are set on starting the veteran. He missed the first week and a half of camp, yet still got named the starter in the team's first depth chart release. There's a chance Fields doesn't see much playing time during the regular season, so it is crucial to get him on the field during the preseason.

What do you think about the potential similarity between Fields and Pickett? Let us know in the comments below!

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