The Pittsburgh Steelers have been searching for the perfect replacement for Ben Roethlisberger since 2018. They had hopes that Mason Rudolph could develop behind him and be able to take over the reins once Roethlisberger retired. They brought in former 2nd overall pick Mitch Trubisky and selected Kenny Pickett in the first round months later in 2022. Unfortunately for the Steelers, none of them panned out. Now it seems like they may have found their guy, but they are not ready to fully commit to that notation.
Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers
Justin Fields praying before the Pittsburgh Steelers' Week 3 matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Justin Fields has done everything and more to lead the Steelers to a 3-1 record. He had a historic game against the Indianapolis Colts, throwing for 312 yards and a touchdown, while also adding 55 yards and two more touchdowns on the ground. There has never been a Steelers quarterback to have 300 passing yards, 50 rushing yards, and two rushing touchdowns in a single game -- Fields did it in his fourth game with Pittsburgh. While Fields has the hot hand, Mike Tomlin told the media at his press conference that the team is not at the point to fully commit to Fields over Russell Wilson at this time.
"There's a potential for that, but we're not there as we stand here today," Tomlin said.
Fields has steadily improved week by week, his numbers and play prove that. While Wilson continues to work to get back from his calf injury, the Steelers are preparing for their Sunday Night Football matchup with the Dallas Cowboys as if Fields is the starting quarterback. This will be another opportunity for Fields to showcase his abilities to Tomlin and bring another win under the bright lights. What Fields needs to do to truly earn the title of QB1, Tomlin kept it simple.
"Play well. Win, that's our business," said Tomlin.
So far, it is safe to say that Fields has done both. Though his undefeated season ended in Week 4, his overall play wasn't the reason for the loss. Fields has the opportunity to lead the Steelers to a primetime victory Sunday against a Dallas defense that is missing key pieces. The Cowboys placed DeMarcus Lawrence on the Injured Reserve List and are also planning to play without their All-Pro linebacker, Micah Parsons. Without two of their key pass rushers, the Steelers' offense could really take advantage of the Cowboys' losses.
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Steelers' Justin Fields throws the football during Friday Night Lights.
Fields is still trying to gain the full confidence of the coaching staff, but seems to already gain the support of his teammates. Calvin Austin spoke highly about his leadership and his ability to get everyone on the same page. Even veteran Cam Heyward has been impressed with the leadership role Fields has taken up with the Steelers. Under Fields, the offense has seen improvements in finding the end zone each week -- something that he was wanting to improve after the first two weeks of the season. In his first four games with the Steelers, he has passed for 830 yards with three touchdowns, adding 145 yards on the ground and running in three touchdowns.
Steelers Will Continue To Watch Fields' Growth Before Making Any Drastic Decisions
Fields' play through four games has really heated up the talks of him not only being the starter through this season, but the possible answer at the Steelers' quarterback position for the future. He is still just 25 years old and the growth that he is already showing in this short of a time frame has fans demanding he be signed long term.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Justin Fields (2) looks on during the Chargers game in Pittsburgh, PA at Acrisure Stadium.
There is still plenty of season left, but if Fields is able to do what Tomlin has asked from him (play well and win), Fields might force the coaching staff's hand and name him full time starter.
Will Fields finally gain the confidence from the coaching staff and be named their QB1? Let us know what you think in the comments.
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