QB Justin Fields, NYJ (2 Viewers)

[osubuckeyeman]

I think this is a watershed moment for Fields. If he plays well in Pittsburgh on Sunday night in primetime against the Cowboys, how could Wilson replace him beyond an injury? My personal feeling is the league sold him short. He can unlock so much in your offense with the threat of his legs. If he improves his accuracy and release, he will have that QB1 upside. My issue with him has always been his release point in his throwing motion. I think that has hurt his timing and accuracy in the pocket. Those don't affect him as much when he is outside the pocket. In the pocket, his release can make him late, and he compensates by throwing harder, which affects his accuracy and timing. He has moments when he throws darts, but that seems to always be outside the tackle boxes. This is a huge game for both teams for a lot of reasons. The Cowboys have to win this game, and I expect them to throw everything they have at the Steelers. Fields has the opportunity to lock in his position as the future of the Steelers franchise QB. I can not wait to watch this primetime matchup.

 

[FarFromHome]

Nothing like an injury depleted Cowboys defense to cement yourself as the QB1 on the depth chart.

 

[sm8680]

Justin Fields just needs to keep doing what he’s doing. Why? Because it’s working. He’s showing improvement every game. His biggest knocks holding onto the ball too long and slow progressions appear to be behind him.

First and foremost, I realize that the Steelers need a WR2 desperately in the long term. However, if Justin’s play continues to progress the way I believe it will, that WR2, although very important, will be less of an issue. Fields’ ability to extend plays and make smart decisions under pressure is becoming a significant asset. His chemistry with the current receiving corps is growing, and he’s starting to make the players around him better.

Moreover, his mobility and vision are opening up the offense in ways we haven’t seen before. As he continues to develop, the need for a top-tier WR2 might not be as critical because Fields is proving he can elevate the entire offense. The focus should be on supporting his growth and ensuring he has the protection and tools he needs to succeed.

 

[WaltonGoggins]

Fields ended up #1 fantasy QB last week and heard somewhere that Mahomes over the last 17 games I think only finished top 10 (not #1) as fantasy QB 1 time! A number of scrub backup type QBs were mentioned during same time had as many or more top 10 finishes.
Shows you the power of persuasion of media / watching the games if you said in a 10 team league there's NO point drafting or starting Mahomes people even in the fantasy community would tell you that's insane.
Edit: I am starting Fields in many of my leagues only QB I haven't started over is Lamar.

 

[Grid71]

Justin Fields just needs to keep doing what he’s doing. Why? Because it’s working. He’s showing improvement every game. His biggest knocks holding onto the ball too long and slow progressions appear to be behind him.

First and foremost, I realize that the Steelers need a WR2 desperately in the long term. However, if Justin’s play continues to progress the way I believe it will, that WR2, although very important, will be less of an issue. Fields’ ability to extend plays and make smart decisions under pressure is becoming a significant asset. His chemistry with the current receiving corps is growing, and he’s starting to make the players around him better.

Moreover, his mobility and vision are opening up the offense in ways we haven’t seen before. As he continues to develop, the need for a top-tier WR2 might not be as critical because Fields is proving he can elevate the entire offense. The focus should be on supporting his growth and ensuring he has the protection and tools he needs to succeed.

99% with you on Fields other than I believe he has already shown enough to be Ben's successor as franchise QB. He's not perfect, but doing very well. Fits like a glove with Arthur Smith calling plays. Steelers hit the QB jackpot this offseason.

WR 2 I get what you are laying down. System does work with the pieces we have short term. However, an injury to Pickens knocks the WR room to one of the very worst in the NFL. Depends on what the rookie Wilson does once he gets his shot. Doesn't help that the OL has been a revolving door yet somehow Fields has kept calm, cool and collected. RB aren't top tier either. Frankly, it's amazing the offense has been this good after 4 weeks.

 

[Chaka]

Now what?

 

[Grahamburn]

Now what?

My guess is we’ll blame it on the line and the WRs.

 

[Uncle Leo]

Just does not have a great touch on his passes. Yes, he can throw it far and fast. Needs to work on his precision. He is a great athlete, but not a good overall QB yet.

 

[JohnnyU]

Now what?

My guess is we’ll blame it on the line and the WRs.

Yes, we can grill Richardson for his short comings, but God forbid it's Fields' fault

 

[Grahamburn]

Now what?

My guess is we’ll blame it on the line and the WRs.

Yes, we can grill Richardson for his short comings, but God forbid it's Fields' fault

Richardson looks like a mega-bust. He just needs more time.

 

[JohnnyU]

Now what?

My guess is we’ll blame it on the line and the WRs.

Yes, we can grill Richardson for his short comings, but God forbid it's Fields' fault

Richardson looks like a mega-bust. He just needs more time.

I thought he was tearing the Steelers a new one before going down It helped that Steichen finally started using AR the right way with more run / pass option.

 

[Grahamburn]

Now what?

My guess is we’ll blame it on the line and the WRs.

Yes, we can grill Richardson for his short comings, but God forbid it's Fields' fault

Richardson looks like a mega-bust. He just needs more time.

I thought he was tearing the Steelers a new one before going down It helped that Steichen finally started using AR the right way with more run / pass option.

But what good is a running QB that can’t protect himself and/or hold up after getting hit?

 

[JohnnyU]

Now what?

My guess is we’ll blame it on the line and the WRs.

Yes, we can grill Richardson for his short comings, but God forbid it's Fields' fault

Richardson looks like a mega-bust. He just needs more time.

I thought he was tearing the Steelers a new one before going down It helped that Steichen finally started using AR the right way with more run / pass option.

But what good is a running QB that can’t protect himself and/or hold up after getting hit?

Yes, that is a problem, but I think learning how to slide is fixable.

 

[Judge Smails]

Let’s be honest. That was brutal play calling. Run first down. Run second down. Pass 3rd down. So predictable. No element of surprise. No play action on first down. Nothing. No roll outs. No RPO. Take out his #1 WR. Almost like they wanted him to fail

 

[Big Nate]

Let’s be honest. That was brutal play calling. Run first down. Run second down. Pass 3rd down. So predictable. No element of surprise. No play action on first down. Nothing. No roll outs. No RPO. Take out his #1 WR. Almost like they wanted him to fail

The Arthur Smith experience.

 

[crushedspirit]

The no roll outs was a puzzle seeing as how Fields works well when the game is simplified for him, and they have used it successfully in games before.

 

[Faust]

Brian Batko
Steelers OC Arthur Smith says he's really enjoyed working w/ Justin Fields. "There's no drama to him. He doesn't try to live through his avatar or create a perception. That's probably why he was so endearing to his teammates in Chicago. ... Extremely coachable, extremely bright."

x.com

x.com

Arthur Smith also praised Justin Fields when it comes to his work ethic.

"Same thing as a playcaller, you get in this business, people start making excuses, rationalizing ... put whatever they want on social media or make sure certain narratives get leaked out. He's old school."

x.com

x.com

 

[Mitchie]

Got to think he's on short leash if/when Russ is fully healthy.

 

[Grahamburn]

Let’s be honest. That was brutal play calling. Run first down. Run second down. Pass 3rd down. So predictable. No element of surprise. No play action on first down. Nothing. No roll outs. No RPO. Take out his #1 WR. Almost like they wanted him to fail

The Arthur Smith experience.

Oh yeah. I forgot to include the OC.

 

[Blick]

Got to think he's on short leash if/when Russ is fully healthy.

That's impossible! He's the future.

The only hope the Steelers have is, gulp, Russell Wilson. You have to think if the offense looks sluggish after a few drives, Fields will be replaced and that's if Wilson doesn't outright start the game.

 

[Hankmoody]

Yes, that is a problem, but I think learning how to slide is fixable.

Tua says "hold my beer".

 

[dmac37]

I have been concerned after hearing Tony Dungy on Sirius radio reporting positive vibes on Wilson when he was at practice. Good to hear this report now.

• The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reports Steelers QB Justin Fields “impossible to replace” with a healthy Russell Wilson.
  Russini adds that, based on her read of the situation in Pittsburgh amidst growing fan support and support within the organization, “the momentum Fields has built might make it impossible for a healthy Wilson to reclaim that spot at the top of the depth chart.” Fields led the Steelers to a 3-0 record before dropping the last two contests, but he has largely done exactly what the Steelers have asked of him, limiting turnovers and commanding a competent offense. Fields has just one interception and one lost fumble on the season, although he has put the ball on the ground in all but one game. As long as Fields continues to take care of the football, he conceivably gives the Steelers the best chance to win football games, and appears to have growing support both within and outside the organization.
  1h ago
  Source: Dianna Russini
  

 

[InDitkaWeTrust]

Now what?

My guess is we’ll blame it on the line and the WRs.

Yes, we can grill Richardson for his short comings, but God forbid it's Fields' fault

Richardson looks like a mega-bust. He just needs more time.

I thought he was tearing the Steelers a new one before going down It helped that Steichen finally started using AR the right way with more run / pass option.

But what good is a running QB that can’t protect himself and/or hold up after getting hit?

Yes, that is a problem, but I think learning how to slide is fixable.

They should have used a slip 'n slide during training camp!

 

[Chaka]

Now what?

My guess is we’ll blame it on the line and the WRs.

Yes, we can grill Richardson for his short comings, but God forbid it's Fields' fault

Richardson looks like a mega-bust. He just needs more time.

I thought he was tearing the Steelers a new one before going down It helped that Steichen finally started using AR the right way with more run / pass option.

But what good is a running QB that can’t protect himself and/or hold up after getting hit?

Yes, that is a problem, but I think learning how to slide is fixable.

They should have used a slip 'n slide during training camp!

Tell you what, Caleb seems to know how to slide.

 

[barackdhouse]

Sources: The #Steelers plan to give Russell Wilson first-team reps in practice this week, putting him in line to make his season debut and start Sunday night against the #Jets.Pittsburgh is 4-2 with Justin Fields. But Wilson’s calf is fully healed and now he gets his shot.

https://x.com/TomPelissero/status/1846219869374546355
https://x.com/TomPelissero/status/1846219869374546355/photo/1
ok I'm surprised by this. Some 1st team reps makes sense but benching Fields does not.

 

[Chaka]

Whelp, it was fun while it lasted.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Whelp, it was fun while it lasted.

Hasn’t been named starter yet.

And look at the bright side - national SNF game & terrible OL. Wilson might get sacked 10x & have 4+ turnovers.

This might be a way for Tomlin to bury the controversy for good.

 

[fred_1_15301]

I think starting Wilson would be a mistake and this is coming from someone who thinks Fields has mostly been a disaster the past 2 weeks. At this stage of his career, Wilson is probably a small to moderate upgrade as a passer compared to Fields. That is offset by Fields’s athleticism, which is pretty important given the current state of the O line. I would start Fields but keep him on a short leash in what is a winnable game.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

I think starting Wilson would be a mistake and this is coming from someone who thinks Fields has mostly been a disaster the past 2 weeks. At this stage of his career, Wilson is probably a small to moderate upgrade as a passer compared to Fields. That is offset by Fields’s athleticism, which is pretty important given the current state of the O line. I would start Fields but keep him on a short leash in what is a winnable game.

Just a point of reference, but Fields hit Pickens on the hands several times, resulting in drops. Also point of reference, without Fields 2 rushing touchdowns, the Steelers don’t win that game.

Benching Justin Fields seems absolutely idiotic at 4-2. I would not be at all surprised if by the end of the week the Steelers said they were starting Fields. This might all be lip service to keep Russ from pouting.

It could also be a preamble to dealing one of them.

 

[barackdhouse]

Here is a short 6 min video I made of Tomlin's PC on just the QB related stuff. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Uckw6_cgPc

It's gonna be Fields but obv they have to let Russ get some work.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Here is a short 6 min video I made of Tomlin's PC on just the QB related stuff. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Uckw6_cgPc

It's gonna be Fields but obv they have to let Russ get some work.

Yeah, that’s what I suspected.

 

[menobrown]

It's gonna be Fields but obv they have to let Russ get some work.

I think it's the other way around.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

It's gonna be Fields but obv they have to let Russ get some work.

I think it's the other way around.

I don’t. I also suspect this might be a way to push fields to do even more.


I would be legitimately surprised if Fields does not start the Sunday night.

But that said, if it’s rust against the Jets, he’s going to be a turnover machine and probably get sacked a dozen times. Could be a career ending night.

 

[menobrown]

he’s going to be a turnover machine and probably get sacked a dozen times

I've said my peace on who I think the starter will be but not sure why you keep saying this stuff about Wilson when in comparison to Fields he's been significantly better at protecting the football and takes less sacks.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

he’s going to be a turnover machine and probably get sacked a dozen times

I've said my peace on who I think the starter will be but not sure why you keep saying this stuff about Wilson when in comparison to Fields he's been significantly better at protecting the football and takes less sacks.

Because I’ve seen the Steelers OL play.

I’ve also seen how immobile Russell Wilson has been the last year or two.

I suppose time will tell. The week is young.

 

[menobrown]

he’s going to be a turnover machine and probably get sacked a dozen times

I've said my peace on who I think the starter will be but not sure why you keep saying this stuff about Wilson when in comparison to Fields he's been significantly better at protecting the football and takes less sacks.

Because I’ve seen the Steelers OL play.

I’ve also seen how immobile Russell Wilson has been the last year or two.

I suppose time will tell. The week is young.

My guess is I'd see Fields on your SF rosters.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

he’s going to be a turnover machine and probably get sacked a dozen times

I've said my peace on who I think the starter will be but not sure why you keep saying this stuff about Wilson when in comparison to Fields he's been significantly better at protecting the football and takes less sacks.

Because I’ve seen the Steelers OL play.

I’ve also seen how immobile Russell Wilson has been the last year or two.

I suppose time will tell. The week is young.

My guess is I'd see Fields on your SF rosters.

Why would you have to guess it that when I’ve said it multiple times in here?

That has zero to do with my evaluation of the situation.

 

[menobrown]

That has zero to do with my evaluation of the situation.

gotcha

 

[Bad_Mo2]

So...will it be Fields or Wilson? And, if Wilson...how much worse, or better, is this offense?

 

[TampaMike19]

So...will it be Fields or Wilson? And, if Wilson...how much worse, or better, is this offense?

Think Wilson can keep the chains moving. Better for Najee and Warren too without that goal line vulture Fields

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

That has zero to do with my evaluation of the situation.

gotcha

Again, how is this a “gotcha” when I’ve been completely transparent about my Fields ownership?

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

So...will it be Fields or Wilson? And, if Wilson...how much worse, or better, is this offense?

IMO significantly worse.

Time will tell, and we’ll all be able to watch together in glorious living color on SNF, if indeed Russel starts.

I’m skeptical that will happen. This sounds a lot like an early week trial balloon being floated… From what I hear on the socials people are bashing the decision (or rather potential decision). Also, it should be noted that Tomlin has not tabbed Russ the starter, nor has he said Fields will not be.

The report was that Russ is healthy enough to get some 1st team reps in camp. Ok, that sounds normal. But it doesn’t necessarily mean he’s their QB1.

Again, no idea what will happen. I’ll be surprised if the switch is made, but I gotta admit I’m fascinated to see how Russ looks behind that leaky OL. I’m betting “not great” will be the answer.

Fortunately I have at least 3 start-able QB in my Fields leagues, so not a huge impact to me.

 

[Mitchie]

Whelp, it was fun while it lasted.

Hasn’t been named starter yet.

And look at the bright side - national SNF game & terrible OL. Wilson might get sacked 10x & have 4+ turnovers.

This might be a way for Tomlin to bury the controversy for good.

Yes I'm sure Tomlin's plan is to put in Wilson in a bad situation so he "can bury the controversary"

 

[menobrown]

That has zero to do with my evaluation of the situation.

gotcha

Again, how is this a “gotcha” when I’ve been completely transparent about my Fields ownership?

Two things.

First the "gotcha" has zero to do with you being transparent of owning Fields but on that subject, believe it or not I did not go through this thread reading all your comments to see if you own Fields. It's just easy to see.

The "gotcha" comment was my way of trying to let the conversation die because you believe it's not impacting your evaluation but I don't think that's the case but what's the point of arguing that back and forth.

 

[travdogg]

I'd be very surprised if Fields didn't start. A 4-2 team benching their QB, for a declining vet, makes no sense. I don't doubt they want Wilson to get 1st team reps, he's basically done nothing since August, but I think Fields would have to really implode for an actual change to happen.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

The "gotcha" comment was my way of trying to let the conversation die because you believe it's not impacting your evaluation but I don't think that's the case but what's the point of arguing that back and forth.

Ah, apologies then. “Gotcha” can have multiple meanings

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

I'd be very surprised if Fields didn't start. A 4-2 team benching their QB, for a declining vet, makes no sense. I don't doubt they want Wilson to get 1st team reps, he's basically done nothing since August, but I think Fields would have to really implode for an actual change to happen.

This.

I would be shocked.

And again, it has zero to do with my ownership of fields in 2 leagues.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Yes I'm sure Tomlin's plan is to put in Wilson in a bad situation so he "can bury the controversary"

I was saying that tongue in cheek. Sorry if that wasn’t apparent. I should have used a emoji.

Unless of course Steelers ownership is pressuring him to start Wilson, in which case why not throw Russ to the wolves and see if he can quiet that down.

 

[Big Nate]

I think they are protecting Fields this week vs NYJ defense. Throw Wilson to the wolves. Then if he fails they just go back to Fields.

 

[FairWarning]

I think they are protecting Fields this week vs NYJ defense. Throw Wilson to the wolves. Then if he fails they just go back to Fields.

At 4-2, it would make more sense to play Fields instead of the backup who hasn’t played all season, and won’t be back.