Steelers Great Ben Roethlisberger Has Some Monday Morning Questions Regarding The Loss To The Browns

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been open about their plans to use Russell Wilson and Justin Fields for the remainder of the season. This shouldn't come as a surprise, given that both players have had a chance to show off their remarkable talents. Despite being in a conservative offense, Fields showed off his athleticism, and Wilson showed that he still has it. 

People applauded when Head Coach Mike Tomlin and Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith started utilizing Fields on some special packages in their Week 11 win over the Baltimore Ravens. During the Ravens game, Fields rushed twice for 17 yards, leading to criticism that packages including him would be too predictable. The Steelers addressed that concern by having Fields throw in the loss to the Cleveland Browns. Unfortunately, that decision left fans with more questions. 

That included former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who spoke about the game on his podcast, Footbahlin With Ben Roethlisberger. He felt like some of the short yardage decisions added to the Browns' momentum and may have cost Pittsburgh the game. One of those questionable decisions was a pass to George Pickens late in the game. Roethlisberger was confused about why Wilson didn't throw that pass instead.  

"I wondered about some of the fourth downs and some of the decisions that Coach T [Mike Tomlin] was choosing," admitted Roethlisberger. "Coach Tomlin doesn't want to live in his fears, so it's again Monday morning or Tuesday morning with questions. I thought Justin's big 30-yard run was kind of a game-changer; it brought new life and gave us an opportunity. But then you ask Justin to throw the ball late in the game when he hasn't thrown the ball in a while. Maybe that's a call he made. I don't know; he saw one-on-one; you go to George Pickens; I don't hate that call. I just know there are some day-after questions."

In his press conference, Tomlin addressed short-yardage situations and the team's use of replay assist. He said that they are forced to make split-second decisions, and they don't always work in the team's favor. He added that the coaching staff needs to use replay assist better. 

Roethlisberger similarly questioned a fourth-and-inches call. He thought it was curious that they didn't choose to have Fields sneak the ball over the line; instead, they handed it off in the backfield and failed to convert. 

"I like the Fields package," said Roethlisberger. "It just can't be every third and short or every fourth and short. It has to be used kind of sparingly, has to be used at the right time, situational football. The nice thing is that when you use Justin a little bit at quarterback, it forces you as a defense or an opposing team to focus and spend a little bit of time at practice on it."

Fans can expect to see more of Wilson and Fields. Smith told the media recently that they do not view Fields as a gadget guy. Instead, Pittsburgh feels they have two starting quarterbacks on the roster and plans to use them both in that manner. Hopefully, they figure out the formula as they head into this tough stretch of games. 

Ben Roethlisberger Said Steelers Should Use Justin Fields In A Surprising Way

Fields' time in Pittsburgh has been full of suggestions from outsiders. There has been talk that they should run a Wildcat offense with him or run plays with him and Wilson on the field together. Now, Roethlisberger has another suggestion. 

On that same episode of his show, Roethlisberger suggested they consider using Fields as a wide receiver. The idea isn't too far-fetched since Fields is one of the fastest players on the team. He said if the play doesn't pan out, at least the defense has to spend energy on him. It will also give opponents one more thing to prepare for during their game preparation. 

What did you think of the Fields to Pickens pass? Click to comment below. 

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