All the ESPN guys love Fields, seems a little odd tbh
<jeopardy> What are two ways to reach 9 and 8, Alex? </jeopardy>The way I see it:
If Wilson is the starter, Its good news for Warren (PPR) and Pickens (deep ball + redzone)
If Fields is the starter, Its good news for Fields (easy top-10 upside) and Freiermuth (Russ doesn't throw in the middle)
Its probably more fun if Fields wins the job, especially as just getting over 20 points a week keeps the Steelers a playoff team, and Fields would certainly allow them to be a run heavy/defense team. Probably less come from behind ability than with Wilson, but a poor man's Ravens template isn't crazy to see with Fields.
One thing is certain, Tomlin>Eberflus especially when it comes to rallying the team.
The way I see it:
If Wilson is the starter, Its good news for Warren (PPR) and Pickens (deep ball + redzone)
If Fields is the starter, Its good news for Fields (easy top-10 upside) and Freiermuth (Russ doesn't throw in the middle)
Its probably more fun if Fields wins the job, especially as just getting over 20 points a week keeps the Steelers a playoff team, and Fields would certainly allow them to be a run heavy/defense team. Probably less come from behind ability than with Wilson, but a poor man's Ravens template isn't crazy to see with Fields.
One thing is certain, Tomlin>Eberflus especially when it comes to rallying the team.
That's about how I see it too, unless Fields faceplants, or Wilson looks significantly better once he's back, and I wouldn't bet on either of those things.The way I see it:
If Wilson is the starter, Its good news for Warren (PPR) and Pickens (deep ball + redzone)
If Fields is the starter, Its good news for Fields (easy top-10 upside) and Freiermuth (Russ doesn't throw in the middle)
Its probably more fun if Fields wins the job, especially as just getting over 20 points a week keeps the Steelers a playoff team, and Fields would certainly allow them to be a run heavy/defense team. Probably less come from behind ability than with Wilson, but a poor man's Ravens template isn't crazy to see with Fields.
One thing is certain, Tomlin>Eberflus especially when it comes to rallying the team.
I may be jumping the gun here already, but I think the competition is over and Fields is the guy.
Upside and possibility are what July/August are for in the NFL and the rest of the team now has a taste for Fields being QB1 with RW's early absence. If there is any coach that feels the pulse of his team, it's Tomlin.
It won't be announced early because it makes sense for RW to be engaged throughout camp, but it also makes sense for PIT to have RW as QB2 on a cheap contract. When RW is back, they'll split reps evenly to keep up appearances, then after the last pre-season game...we'll get an announcement. That's how I see it playing out.
@Steelers_DB
My biggest takeaway from tonight’s practice was that Justin Fields looked very, very good. He was much better tonight than he was yesterday, imo.
Not only was he accurate but he was much more decisive tonight and consistently got the ball out on time where it needed to go.
When Milwaukee gets a team this should be their name.Fields is the perfect fit for what the Stillers
Davis Mattek
ESPN’s Dan Graziano reports his belief that Justin Fields and NOT Russell Wilson Will be starting Week 1 for the Steelers
And with the added element of his legs, he’s quite the weapon if they can coach him out of some bad habits learned through his struggles in CHI.Fields is the perfect fit for what the Stillers want to do... Run the ball down your throat, then stomp it with their defense. They won't look back IMO.
How do we feel about adding Artthur Smith as the OC? He got Tannehill to the two best years in his career in Tennessee, but he didn't exactly maximize the offensive talent during his stint in Atlanta.And with the added element of his legs, he’s quite the weapon if they can coach him out of some bad habits learned through his struggles in CHI.Fields is the perfect fit for what the Stillers want to do... Run the ball down your throat, then stomp it with their defense. They won't look back IMO.
It’s really the perfect landing spot for him. I’m getting more and mote optimistic that he’s going to have value as soon as this season. Nice late dart throw in redraft, too, if roster size allows for it.
It’s hard to say. I was extremely disappointed by his tenure in ATL (as a Bijan & Pitts shareholder, especially) but he’s had success in the past.How do we feel about adding Artthur Smith as the OC? He got Tannehill to the two best years in his career in Tennessee, but he didn't exactly maximize the offensive talent during his sting in Atlanta.And with the added element of his legs, he’s quite the weapon if they can coach him out of some bad habits learned through his struggles in CHI.Fields is the perfect fit for what the Stillers want to do... Run the ball down your throat, then stomp it with their defense. They won't look back IMO.
It’s really the perfect landing spot for him. I’m getting more and mote optimistic that he’s going to have value as soon as this season. Nice late dart throw in redraft, too, if roster size allows for it.
I think he's a hell of a lot better than Canada (or Getsy for Fields) was. I also think he gets a little too much blame with Atlanta. I think they just sucked too much at QB to really run any kind of successful offense. Both Wilson and Fields are huge upgrades from what Smith had in Atlanta the last 2 years.How do we feel about adding Artthur Smith as the OC? He got Tannehill to the two best years in his career in Tennessee, but he didn't exactly maximize the offensive talent during his stint in Atlanta.And with the added element of his legs, he’s quite the weapon if they can coach him out of some bad habits learned through his struggles in CHI.Fields is the perfect fit for what the Stillers want to do... Run the ball down your throat, then stomp it with their defense. They won't look back IMO.
It’s really the perfect landing spot for him. I’m getting more and mote optimistic that he’s going to have value as soon as this season. Nice late dart throw in redraft, too, if roster size allows for it.
Yeah, I agree with that assessment.I think he's a hell of a lot better than Canada (or Getsy for Fields) was. I also think he gets a little too much blame with Atlanta. I think they just sucked too much at QB to really run any kind of successful offense. Both Wilson and Fields are huge upgrades from what Smith had in Atlanta the last 2 years.How do we feel about adding Artthur Smith as the OC? He got Tannehill to the two best years in his career in Tennessee, but he didn't exactly maximize the offensive talent during his stint in Atlanta.And with the added element of his legs, he’s quite the weapon if they can coach him out of some bad habits learned through his struggles in CHI.Fields is the perfect fit for what the Stillers want to do... Run the ball down your throat, then stomp it with their defense. They won't look back IMO.
It’s really the perfect landing spot for him. I’m getting more and mote optimistic that he’s going to have value as soon as this season. Nice late dart throw in redraft, too, if roster size allows for it.
Got Fields as a QB3 in a dynasty startup last weekend (behind Purdy/Goff) and wouldn't be shocked if he ended up being my QB1 if things break right.
As a Bijan manager last season, I'm not sure I agree. Ridder may have been a problem in Atlanta but it doesn't explain how poorly Bijan was deployed by Smith & Co.Yeah, I agree with that assessment.I think he's a hell of a lot better than Canada (or Getsy for Fields) was. I also think he gets a little too much blame with Atlanta. I think they just sucked too much at QB to really run any kind of successful offense. Both Wilson and Fields are huge upgrades from what Smith had in Atlanta the last 2 years.How do we feel about adding Artthur Smith as the OC? He got Tannehill to the two best years in his career in Tennessee, but he didn't exactly maximize the offensive talent during his stint in Atlanta.And with the added element of his legs, he’s quite the weapon if they can coach him out of some bad habits learned through his struggles in CHI.Fields is the perfect fit for what the Stillers want to do... Run the ball down your throat, then stomp it with their defense. They won't look back IMO.
It’s really the perfect landing spot for him. I’m getting more and mote optimistic that he’s going to have value as soon as this season. Nice late dart throw in redraft, too, if roster size allows for it.
Got Fields as a QB3 in a dynasty startup last weekend (behind Purdy/Goff) and wouldn't be shocked if he ended up being my QB1 if things break right.
The season long decision to run Pitts as a decoy, and feature Jonnu was fun as well.As a Bijan manager last season, I'm not sure I agree. Ridder may have been a problem in Atlanta but it doesn't explain how poorly Bijan was deployed by Smith & Co
But Bijan isn’t a QB. If anything Smith gives me more hope for Warren continuing his ascension.As a Bijan manager last season, I'm not sure I agree. Ridder may have been a problem in Atlanta but it doesn't explain how poorly Bijan was deployed by Smith & Co.
In theTE-P league I had Jonnu, I loved it.The season long decision to run Pitts as a decoy, and feature Jonnu was fun as well.
I DO think Smith was interesting in Atlanta last year. Maybe not a head coach, maybe not perfect. But he did some interesting stuff on offense.In theTE-P league I had Jonnu, I loved it.The season long decision to run Pitts as a decoy, and feature Jonnu was fun as well.
In the league I had Pitts, notsomuch.
The way I see it:
If Wilson is the starter, Its good news for Warren (PPR) and Pickens (deep ball + redzone)
If Fields is the starter, Its good news for Fields (easy top-10 upside) and Freiermuth (Russ doesn't throw in the middle)
Its probably more fun if Fields wins the job, especially as just getting over 20 points a week keeps the Steelers a playoff team, and Fields would certainly allow them to be a run heavy/defense team. Probably less come from behind ability than with Wilson, but a poor man's Ravens template isn't crazy to see with Fields.
One thing is certain, Tomlin>Eberflus especially when it comes to rallying the team.
I was always of the opinion that AS built his resume that got him the Atlanta HC job off the back of Derrick Henry's ability to break tackles. That said, it is true that peak Derrick Henry occurred under Smith's watch as OC.How do we feel about adding Artthur Smith as the OC? He got Tannehill to the two best years in his career in Tennessee, but he didn't exactly maximize the offensive talent during his stint in Atlanta.And with the added element of his legs, he’s quite the weapon if they can coach him out of some bad habits learned through his struggles in CHI.Fields is the perfect fit for what the Stillers want to do... Run the ball down your throat, then stomp it with their defense. They won't look back IMO.
It’s really the perfect landing spot for him. I’m getting more and mote optimistic that he’s going to have value as soon as this season. Nice late dart throw in redraft, too, if roster size allows for it.
we all hate his guts. forever no matter what.How do we feel about adding Artthur Smith as the OC?And with the added element of his legs, he’s quite the weapon if they can coach him out of some bad habits learned through his struggles in CHI.Fields is the perfect fit for what the Stillers want to do... Run the ball down your throat, then stomp it with their defense. They won't look back IMO.
It’s really the perfect landing spot for him. I’m getting more and mote optimistic that he’s going to have value as soon as this season. Nice late dart throw in redraft, too, if roster size allows for it.
Sure. But really, the QB upgrade is what matters.Arthur Smith has to be an upgrade from the Matt Canada play calling era, right?
Sean Payton + Drew Brees = geniusSure. But really, the QB upgrade is what matters.Arthur Smith has to be an upgrade from the Matt Canada play calling era, right?
These guys all get a lot smarter once they have a good QB for some reason

agreed - I really have no idea how this is going to shake out now. i called fields as the week 1 starter a long long time ago but it's been nothing but negative reports ever since. until just recently.I DO think Smith was interesting in Atlanta last year. Maybe not a head coach, maybe not perfect. But he did some interesting stuff on offense.In theTE-P league I had Jonnu, I loved it.The season long decision to run Pitts as a decoy, and feature Jonnu was fun as well.
In the league I had Pitts, notsomuch.
If Fields is the QB, he's as good a choice for OC as I can think of.
I’ve long been on record that the things that made Wilson great are attributes he no longer possesses.agreed - I really have no idea how this is going to shake out now. i called fields as the week 1 starter a long long time ago but it's been nothing but negative reports ever since. until just recently.I DO think Smith was interesting in Atlanta last year. Maybe not a head coach, maybe not perfect. But he did some interesting stuff on offense.In theTE-P league I had Jonnu, I loved it.The season long decision to run Pitts as a decoy, and feature Jonnu was fun as well.
In the league I had Pitts, notsomuch.
If Fields is the QB, he's as good a choice for OC as I can think of.
I think Wilson is a cancer anymore but he also hasn't thrown a good deep ball since a couple years back when he hurt his finger and came back too soon. I think fundamentally I'm more pro-Fields than the average Bear and as a Pacific NW resident I'm jaded about Wilson.
I was surprised to see him actually admit the other day his mistakes of basically building his offense on plays instead of players, of not properly leaning into his top skill players. Felt like he was a little to cocksure of himself, struck me as the kind of guy who thought the rest of the world was wrong. Was encouraging to hear from him and fwiw even before he said that I thought he was a really strong hire by the Steelers, good marriage of personnel and his philosophy.Arthur Smith has to be an upgrade from the Matt Canada play calling era, right?
Who would have thought that everyone else was smarter than him? Big 180 from last year when he practically did press conferences naked while calling everyone else stupid as he planted 'decoy' stickers on 3 consecutive Top 10 skill position picks that he had a HUGE hand in making.I was surprised to see him actually admit the other day his mistakes of basically building his offense on plays instead of players, of not properly leaning into his top skill players. Felt like he was a little to cocksure of himself, struck me as the kind of guy who thought the rest of the world was wrong. Was encouraging to hear from him and fwiw even before he said that I thought he was a really strong hire by the Steelers, good marriage of personnel and his philosophy.Arthur Smith has to be an upgrade from the Matt Canada play calling era, right?
there's optimism and then there's this. No matter who starts at QB this will still be a run heavy offense. Even if Feilds starts, to think his numbers will be better than Purdy and Goff seems so out there to me.Got Fields as a QB3 in a dynasty startup last weekend (behind Purdy/Goff) and wouldn't be shocked if he ended up being my QB1 if things break right.
it might be. Wilson was a big signing but it looks like hes not a big contract. sounds like denver paid him an awful lot of money to go away. so if he doesnt perform his job is fair game.I’ve long been on record that the things that made Wilson great are attributes he no longer possesses.agreed - I really have no idea how this is going to shake out now. i called fields as the week 1 starter a long long time ago but it's been nothing but negative reports ever since. until just recently.I DO think Smith was interesting in Atlanta last year. Maybe not a head coach, maybe not perfect. But he did some interesting stuff on offense.In theTE-P league I had Jonnu, I loved it.The season long decision to run Pitts as a decoy, and feature Jonnu was fun as well.
In the league I had Pitts, notsomuch.
If Fields is the QB, he's as good a choice for OC as I can think of.
I think Wilson is a cancer anymore but he also hasn't thrown a good deep ball since a couple years back when he hurt his finger and came back too soon. I think fundamentally I'm more pro-Fields than the average Bear and as a Pacific NW resident I'm jaded about Wilson.
At his best, he would go off-script when the pocket broke down, improvise, scramble around and buy time for his receivers to get open downfield. And he had a 6th sense about where they were going to be.
He’d extend drives with his legs as well.
Older, slower Wilson simply can’t evade faster LB & DE’s, so he gets dropped in the backfield.
He’s also a weird dude, kind of arrogant, and teammates have commented that he’s kind of odd. From what I’ve read/heard, he comes off as a little bit less than genuine, and rubs people the wrong way with the attitude that his poop doesn’t stink after throwing picks, which he seems to do much more of in his less mobile days.
I can see that Rubbing Tomlin the wrong way. Honestly the calf injury that allowed Fields to run with the 1s might just spell his end in PIT. I can easily see a scenario where based on the rapid improvements Fields has shown, the coaching staff envisions the growth yet to come and sees a potential superstar QB.
By contrast, what’s Wilson’s potential upside? Seems like he can only trend down from here.
They might still run out Wilson as the week 1 starter - totally concede that’s possible. But Fields has been turning heads in camp, making quick reads, making checkdowns, and generally impressing coaches & receivers with his accuracy.
It’s hard to put that genie back in the bottle.
Fields was a top-5 QB in 2022 in another run heavy offense, that had a worse supporting cast than the 2024 Steelers.there's optimism and then there's this. No matter who starts at QB this will still be a run heavy offense. Even if Feilds starts, to think his numbers will be better than Purdy and Goff seems so out there to me.Got Fields as a QB3 in a dynasty startup last weekend (behind Purdy/Goff) and wouldn't be shocked if he ended up being my QB1 if things break right.
Agreed - plus Fields FF value is tied to his legs & the ceiling of potentially having a 1000+ RuYd QB, passing volume be damned.Fields was a top-5 QB in 2022 in another run heavy offense, that had a worse supporting cast than the 2024 Steelers.there's optimism and then there's this. No matter who starts at QB this will still be a run heavy offense. Even if Feilds starts, to think his numbers will be better than Purdy and Goff seems so out there to me.Got Fields as a QB3 in a dynasty startup last weekend (behind Purdy/Goff) and wouldn't be shocked if he ended up being my QB1 if things break right.
so was Geno Smith. It's interesting in a way that Smith was qb5 in 2022 and Feilds was QB6 but in 2023 Smith was QB19 and Fields was QB18. Though to be fair, he was only 70ish points behind the 2 (Goff, Purdy) and so Fields would have only needed 18 points a game to top them in the 4 games he missed (he didn't play in 5 but assuming one of those is a bye) Purdy did sit out week 18 though so he could have more than 306.Fields was a top-5 QB in 2022 in another run heavy offense, that had a worse supporting cast than the 2024 Steelers.there's optimism and then there's this. No matter who starts at QB this will still be a run heavy offense. Even if Feilds starts, to think his numbers will be better than Purdy and Goff seems so out there to me.Got Fields as a QB3 in a dynasty startup last weekend (behind Purdy/Goff) and wouldn't be shocked if he ended up being my QB1 if things break right.
Russ was still QB14 last year. I know fantasy football and real life football aren't an apple to apple comparison but the Steelers could do much worse than him. I mean, maybe they had intended to draft a rookie and Wilson was meant to be his "mentor" and then Fields fell into their lap and plans changed. But the other side of the coin is they went out there and got who they believed in (assuming that he was their first and only QB offer) . I still think that from the Steelers POV they'd like to play Wilson (assuming they are winning with him) to keep from having to pay the Bears a 4th and only intend to sprinkle a few Feilds rpo's in each game (maybe he'll start a game here or there). Of course, if the Steelers are struggling with Russ or his injury is nagging at him, they'll play him but my $$$$ is on Rudd is the intended starter.There’s also the version where Fields either doesn’t get a chance to start because Russ is cooking (unlikely, IMO) or Fields gets the chance and falls on his face (possible).
Im not sure but you seem to be underestimating the impact of his rushing yds on fantasy points. I only say that because I found myself doing that for years. I always undervalued Cam. If healthy and the starter, I would expect Fields to outscore Goff and Purdy without much trouble. I think they are better QBs, but fantasy is fantasy and the NFLso was Geno Smith. It's interesting in a way that Smith was qb5 in 2022 and Feilds was QB6 but in 2023 Smith was QB19 and Fields was QB18. Though to be fair, he was only 70ish points behind the 2 (Goff, Purdy) and so Fields would have only needed 18 points a game to top them in the 4 games he missed (he didn't play in 5 but assuming one of those is a bye) Purdy did sit out week 18 though so he could have more than 306.Fields was a top-5 QB in 2022 in another run heavy offense, that had a worse supporting cast than the 2024 Steelers.there's optimism and then there's this. No matter who starts at QB this will still be a run heavy offense. Even if Feilds starts, to think his numbers will be better than Purdy and Goff seems so out there to me.Got Fields as a QB3 in a dynasty startup last weekend (behind Purdy/Goff) and wouldn't be shocked if he ended up being my QB1 if things break right.
I'm one of those folks that believe that the bears SHOULDN'T have gotten rid of Fields so it's not so much that I don't believe in him, it's that I'm a little incredulous to your idea that he would top Goff and Purdy.
Maybe so, but it’s not like a 4th is a prohibitive cost if they believe Fields has significant upside to grow into,Russ was still QB14 last year. I know fantasy football and real life football aren't an apple to apple comparison but the Steelers could do much worse than him. I mean, maybe they had intended to draft a rookie and Wilson was meant to be his "mentor" and then Fields fell into their lap and plans changed. But the other side of the coin is they went out there and got who they believed in (assuming that he was their first and only QB offer) . I still think that from the Steelers POV they'd like to play Wilson (assuming they are winning with him) to keep from having to pay the Bears a 4th and only intend to sprinkle a few Feilds rpo's in each game (maybe he'll start a game here or there). Of course, if the Steelers are struggling with Russ or his injury is nagging at him, they'll play him but my $$$$ is on Rudd is the intended starter.There’s also the version where Fields either doesn’t get a chance to start because Russ is cooking (unlikely, IMO) or Fields gets the chance and falls on his face (possible).
If healthy & the starter, Fields ceiling is “top 5 FF QB”. The rushing yards are insanely valuable.If healthy and the starter, I would expect Fields to outscore Goff and Purdy without much trouble. I think they are better QBs, but fantasy is fantasy and the NFL
I doubt the pick will factor into their starter decision one bit. Especially if Fields wins the job outright and is playing well. If they can "fix" him a 4th round pick is nothing for a potential franchise QB.Russ was still QB14 last year. I know fantasy football and real life football aren't an apple to apple comparison but the Steelers could do much worse than him. I mean, maybe they had intended to draft a rookie and Wilson was meant to be his "mentor" and then Fields fell into their lap and plans changed. But the other side of the coin is they went out there and got who they believed in (assuming that he was their first and only QB offer) . I still think that from the Steelers POV they'd like to play Wilson (assuming they are winning with him) to keep from having to pay the Bears a 4th and only intend to sprinkle a few Feilds rpo's in each game (maybe he'll start a game here or there). Of course, if the Steelers are struggling with Russ or his injury is nagging at him, they'll play him but my $$$$ is on Rudd is the intended starter.There’s also the version where Fields either doesn’t get a chance to start because Russ is cooking (unlikely, IMO) or Fields gets the chance and falls on his face (possible).
Exactly.If they can "fix" him a 4th round pick is nothing for a potential franchise QB.
@32BeatWriters
“Fields continues to look great throwing the ball. His mechanics are smooth. He’ll probably never be the most accurate quarterback in the world, but he’s had very few badly thrown balls the last few days. Almost all the negativity you can do find in his game is about getting the ball out and being decisive with his reads.”
Doesn't that sound like the ultimate issue with most bad QBs?@32BeatWriters
“Fields continues to look great throwing the ball. His mechanics are smooth. He’ll probably never be the most accurate quarterback in the world, but he’s had very few badly thrown balls the last few days. Almost all the negativity you can do find in his game is about getting the ball out and being decisive with his reads.”x.com
x.com
It certainly seems like an important part of being a good QBDoesn't that sound like the ultimate issue with most bad QBs?@32BeatWriters
“Fields continues to look great throwing the ball. His mechanics are smooth. He’ll probably never be the most accurate quarterback in the world, but he’s had very few badly thrown balls the last few days. Almost all the negativity you can do find in his game is about getting the ball out and being decisive with his reads.”x.com
x.com
I mean, I don't know a ton about football at this level (softball) but getting the ball out and making decisive reads seems pretty important, right?