QB Justin Fields, NYJ (2 Viewers)

[5-ish Finkle]

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).

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 think it's more the bolded...but not about the guy you're intimating. Mike Tomlin has had "pants feelings" for Justin Fields since his pre-draft days. I think that Fields was likley always their "primary" target when it came to light that the Bears were moving on from him, but after weeks of stepping and fetching on the Bears part, Khan went out and signed Russ to hedge bets.

I think they'd already decided internally (correctly) that Kenny Pickett wasn't the answer to anything (other than "Who is the QB in Pittsburgh that most needs replaced?") and Mason Rudolph was...well...Mason Rudolph, so standing pat if they missed out on Fields was untenable. Russ, on paper at least, fits what they clearly intend to do on offense (albeit some of the things about his game that are a fit for a Smith offense have been on the decline the last three seasons) so he was almost a "no brainer" sort of acquisition given the cost and the circumstances at the time.

They may indeed have re-assessed after acquiring Wilson/while still winding up able to land Fields, but that fourth rounder isn't going to prohibit anything if they decide Fields gives them the best chance to win in '24.

And yeah , if they wind up going with Fields as the starter from day 1 I'm sure Russ will "Russ" stuff up, to some degree at least. He's kind of a weird dude, and clearly has an ego. I also think the Steelers FO won't give a damn about that and would cut him if they have to. They have no real history with/loyalty to him (and he's basically "free" to jettison) so I doubt it'd ever get a point where they'd have to worry about "the locker room choosing sides." Both QBs are new to the team and are clearly an upgrade to Pickett/Rudolph. Most of their players likely won't lose sight of that. A lot of folks equate the Steelers front office to how Kevin Colbert ran things the last couple of decades, and he almost certainly would never have dreamed of cutting a Wilson in this scenario. I think Khan would, and wouldn't feel that bad about it. Omar Khan isn't Kevin Colbert. He's a money/data/analytics guy.

If the worst case scenario for the Steelers is "Hey, you have to give up a 4th rounder and cut Russell Wilson before he plays a single down of a real game for yuor team, but you potentially land a long-term starting QB from the affair"...then that's a price I think Khan pays 10 out of 10 times when the Steelers were staring down the barrel of Kenny Pickett/Mason Rudolph as their starting quarterback for at least 3 more seasons.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Adding for clarity: Don't construe any of that as championing Fields OR Wilson. I like Fields well enough. I have also always liked Russ well enough. I think either/both are probably going to help the Steelers in '24 do exactly what Mike Tomlin deems the most important: Try to play dinosaur ball to get a winning record, eke into the playoffs and then likely lose to a team with a better QB. They're certainly better than the two guys they were previously rolling out there.

It's probably going to work out for them...if losing in round 1 of the playoffs is the goal. It sure seems like it is the past 10 years or so for them.

 

[InDitkaWeTrust]

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).

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 think it's more the bolded...but not about the guy you're intimating. Mike Tomlin has had "pants feelings" for Justin Fields since his pre-draft days. I think that Fields was likley always their "primary" target when it came to light that the Bears were moving on from him, but after weeks of stepping and fetching on the Bears part, Khan went out and signed Russ to hedge bets.

I think they'd already decided internally (correctly) that Kenny Pickett wasn't the answer to anything (other than "Who is the QB in Pittsburgh that most needs replaced?") and Mason Rudolph was...well...Mason Rudolph, so standing pat if they missed out on Fields was untenable. Russ, on paper at least, fits what they clearly intend to do on offense (albeit some of the things about his game that are a fit for a Smith offense have been on the decline the last three seasons) so he was almost a "no brainer" sort of acquisition given the cost and the circumstances at the time.

They may indeed have re-assessed after acquiring Wilson/while still winding up able to land Fields, but that fourth rounder isn't going to prohibit anything if they decide Fields gives them the best chance to win in '24.

And yeah , if they wind up going with Fields as the starter from day 1 I'm sure Russ will "Russ" stuff up, to some degree at least. He's kind of a weird dude, and clearly has an ego. I also think the Steelers FO won't give a damn about that and would cut him if they have to. They have no real history with/loyalty to him (and he's basically "free" to jettison) so I doubt it'd ever get a point where they'd have to worry about "the locker room choosing sides." Both QBs are new to the team and are clearly an upgrade to Pickett/Rudolph. Most of their players likely won't lose sight of that. A lot of folks equate the Steelers front office to how Kevin Colbert ran things the last couple of decades, and he almost certainly would never have dreamed of cutting a Wilson in this scenario. I think Khan would, and wouldn't feel that bad about it. Omar Khan isn't Kevin Colbert. He's a money/data/analytics guy.

If the worst case scenario for the Steelers is "Hey, you have to give up a 4th rounder and cut Russell Wilson before he plays a single down of a real game for yuor team, but you potentially land a long-term starting QB from the affair"...then that's a price I think Khan pays 10 out of 10 times when the Steelers were staring down the barrel of Kenny Pickett/Mason Rudolph as their starting quarterback for at least 3 more seasons.

I just went down a rabbit hole of the phrase "stepping and fetching". Never heard it before and I'm still unsure what it really means in your context.

 

[sm8680]

I personally feel and hope that Justin Fields is the day 1 starter. RW's injury put him behind the 8 ball in the competition. Just today Arthur Smith Jr. stated about Justin Fields "He is a dangerous player with the ball in his hands. It allows you to get creative. Maybe you change up a little bit of a defensive game plan for him. Certainly, he adds a different element." I see Arthur and Mike T. jonesing over JF.

RW and JF were both interviewed separately by NFL network over the weekend. I found both interviews to be both engaging and very encouraging, RW and JF have been in touch quite a bit over the years. They appear too genuinely like each other. RW has that unicorn contract that is the envy of the NFL. RW is an asset you don't cut an asset if anything you try to trade him and get value in return. Last season there were so many QBs injured. But if you trade him, do you really want Kyle Allen as the backup?

I tend to see people talking about Pickett and Canada. They are yesterday's news. Lessons learned. MC as far as I know doesn't have a job. Kenny Pickett rumors are flying that he might be demoted to 3rd string and potentially might not make the team. Anyone with any type of football IQ could tell that KP and MC were in over their head. Granted Pickett was getting the benefit of the doubt due to people wanting him to play with a new OC. I highly doubt that the Eagles would keep KP as the 3rd string QB unless they feel he can grow into the backup role and potential starter role in a pinch if Jalen gets hurts. KP's annual average salary is 3.5 million and if he slides down the depth chart his contract becomes an albatross around his neck and harder to justify rostering him.

 

[barackdhouse]

He's kind of a weird dude, and clearly has an ego.

No. He isn't a weird dude. He's a fricking cancer and an absolute fruitcake. Weird is cool, but this guy is not the leader teams want/need. I actually thought Pittsburgh might be a good landing spot though, just because of some of the stories I've heard about managing egos there. Which 100% of players and coaches and front office have a problem with. Egos are everywhere but I heard back in the Antonio Brown days that Big Ben had a hidden locker that he could get to from inside his locker so he could have privacy (probably BS but never heard anyone deny it and it was in SI one year plus when you're QB and win a Super Bowl who knows). But also just somehow keeping how much of a fruitcake Antonio Brown was as a public secret for so long means to me that Tomlin knows how or at least is capable of managing these over the top egos. Wilson is definitely the safer bet but I just cannot stress enough how bad some of the Seattle stories are and then coupled with what happened in Denver. IDK.

 

[sm8680]

RW was considered unapproachable as a teammate in Seattle. There's the story of Marshawn Lynch trying to get a hold of him and was told that he had to go through RW's assistant.

Denver wasn't a really good landing spot for him. Nathanial "couldn't" Hackett and Sean 'The Ego' Peyton. If anything, Russell took the high road in Denver. Sean mentioning his high sack rate, trying to get him to renegotiate his contract and then sitting him for the end of the season.

If RW starts and becomes successful in Pittsburgh. I hope he's like this in all of his interviews. Because he comes off intelligent and likeable. https://www.nfl.com/videos/russell-...ear-1-with-steelers-inside-training-camp-live

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

If RW starts and becomes successful in Pittsburgh. I hope he's like this in all of his interviews. Because he comes off intelligent and likeable. https://www.nfl.com/videos/russell-...ear-1-with-steelers-inside-training-camp-live

Reportedly, he is much more polished for interviews than he is with teammates.

He’s weird as hell and this is all an act.

 

[Grahamburn]

@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

Doesn't that sound like the ultimate issue with most bad QBs?

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?

Has always been his problem and if it isn’t corrected this has all just been hype.

Nobody has ever questioned his athleticism or ability to throw a pretty ball.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

@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

Doesn't that sound like the ultimate issue with most bad QBs?

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?

Has always been his problem and if it isn’t corrected this has all just been hype.

Nobody has ever questioned his athleticism or ability to throw a pretty ball.

The latest reports have been highly complimentary about how quickly he’s been getting the ball out. So to that “if”, it seems like it’s something he’s improving. And with a competent coaching staff, I expected improvement there.

If you google Fields right now, all reports are pretty glowing about his abilities & how much he’s impressed Tomlin & Smith.

And when I read what those dudes say, there’s some writing between the lines. Today Tomlin spoke of how Fields is even faster & more athletic than he saw on film, while Smith said he sees the way Fields moves and it’s hard not to get excited about how they can use that.

To me, once an OC is in that mindset, it’s like a dude at a car dealership envisioning how he’s gonna drive the Porsche vs the Honda Odyssey.

As of right now Wilson is still expected to be their starter, but there’s not a lot of distance between he & Fields, and the more good Fields shows in practice, the harder it’s going to be to name the older, slower, weirder Wilson as the QB1. No one wants to be stuck driving the Odyssey while the Porsche sits in the garage collecting dust.

 

[BLOCKED_PUNT]

I hope JF starts too so I can mock Hot Sauce if he fails to be QB5

 

[5-ish Finkle]

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).

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 think it's more the bolded...but not about the guy you're intimating. Mike Tomlin has had "pants feelings" for Justin Fields since his pre-draft days. I think that Fields was likley always their "primary" target when it came to light that the Bears were moving on from him, but after weeks of stepping and fetching on the Bears part, Khan went out and signed Russ to hedge bets.

I think they'd already decided internally (correctly) that Kenny Pickett wasn't the answer to anything (other than "Who is the QB in Pittsburgh that most needs replaced?") and Mason Rudolph was...well...Mason Rudolph, so standing pat if they missed out on Fields was untenable. Russ, on paper at least, fits what they clearly intend to do on offense (albeit some of the things about his game that are a fit for a Smith offense have been on the decline the last three seasons) so he was almost a "no brainer" sort of acquisition given the cost and the circumstances at the time.

They may indeed have re-assessed after acquiring Wilson/while still winding up able to land Fields, but that fourth rounder isn't going to prohibit anything if they decide Fields gives them the best chance to win in '24.

And yeah , if they wind up going with Fields as the starter from day 1 I'm sure Russ will "Russ" stuff up, to some degree at least. He's kind of a weird dude, and clearly has an ego. I also think the Steelers FO won't give a damn about that and would cut him if they have to. They have no real history with/loyalty to him (and he's basically "free" to jettison) so I doubt it'd ever get a point where they'd have to worry about "the locker room choosing sides." Both QBs are new to the team and are clearly an upgrade to Pickett/Rudolph. Most of their players likely won't lose sight of that. A lot of folks equate the Steelers front office to how Kevin Colbert ran things the last couple of decades, and he almost certainly would never have dreamed of cutting a Wilson in this scenario. I think Khan would, and wouldn't feel that bad about it. Omar Khan isn't Kevin Colbert. He's a money/data/analytics guy.

If the worst case scenario for the Steelers is "Hey, you have to give up a 4th rounder and cut Russell Wilson before he plays a single down of a real game for yuor team, but you potentially land a long-term starting QB from the affair"...then that's a price I think Khan pays 10 out of 10 times when the Steelers were staring down the barrel of Kenny Pickett/Mason Rudolph as their starting quarterback for at least 3 more seasons.

I just went down a rabbit hole of the phrase "stepping and fetching". Never heard it before and I'm still unsure what it really means in your context.

Colloquialism where I grew up. "Will they or wont they?", basically. "Seems like they might, then they dont, then say/do something that seems like they might again."

Never heard of any of the stuff I just saw kicked back on Google regarding it either.

 

[BLOCKED_PUNT]

Mike Tomlin has had "pants feelings" for Justin Fields since his pre-draft days. I think that Fields was likley always their "primary" target when it came to light that the Bears were moving on from him, but after weeks of stepping and fetching on the Bears part, Khan went out and signed Russ to hedge bets.

maybe, probably. I don't know if they tried to move up for the guy but I think it's pretty likely that more than just the Steelers and Bears wanted JF pre-draft. We do know that the Bears wanted like a first rounder when they were trying to trade him and the Steelers weren't going to pay that, I don't know if they tried to make another offer and Poles was like "nope I want a first!" or what went down. The Steelers lived up to their name and stole from the windy city. They had to sign someone and they picked Russ over a bunch of other FA QBs so even if you are correct that they wanted JF more than anyone else they were still willing to trot out Russ.

 

[InDitkaWeTrust]

Mike Tomlin has had "pants feelings" for Justin Fields since his pre-draft days. I think that Fields was likley always their "primary" target when it came to light that the Bears were moving on from him, but after weeks of stepping and fetching on the Bears part, Khan went out and signed Russ to hedge bets.

maybe, probably. I don't know if they tried to move up for the guy but I think it's pretty likely that more than just the Steelers and Bears wanted JF pre-draft. We do know that the Bears wanted like a first rounder when they were trying to trade him and the Steelers weren't going to pay that, I don't know if they tried to make another offer and Poles was like "nope I want a first!" or what went down. The Steelers lived up to their name and stole from the windy city. They had to sign someone and they picked Russ over a bunch of other FA QBs so even if you are correct that they wanted JF more than anyone else they were still willing to trot out Russ.

Russ was a no-brainer signing. Anytime you can get a vet with his history of play, including the last half of 2023 for vet minimum, you take it. And I think the Steelers locker room culture can cover up most of Russ' antics. The guys may not run through a wall for him, but if he plays well, they'll do what needs to be done.

JF was a luxury for the Steelers. If he hits, it's a fantastic move. If he doesn't, then it's not a big deal. The cards fell perfectly so that most of the QB needy teams had a solid shot at a QB in the draft and the Raiders hired Luke Getsy. The market for the younger, close to 2nd contract QBs dried up quickly and all the credit in the world to Khan for not blinking in the face of Poles' bluff. That said, I think the Steelers organization and Arthur Smith are the best place in the world for Fields to be. He'll see what a functional locker room and coaching staff is really like and hopefully he can work on the aspects of his game that were lacking. As a Bears fan, I really hope to see the kid succeed even after the crap we put him through.

 

[Faust]

With Russell Wilson limited, Steelers testing Justin Fields as more than just gadget player

 

[dmac37]

Fields is quite polarizing. I do not watch a lot of college football but all reports that I recall had him with not only a very strong arm but also extremely accurate.

A data study by Pro Football Focus in 2021 even said Fields was the most accurate passer they had ever tracked up until that point, via the statistic “completion percentage over expected” (CPOE), going back to the 2014 season. Mar 8, 2024

With the right system and coaching, I think his passing will be fine, obviously his running is off the charts elite. I have 2 concerns.

Processing- he is obviously not there yet for an NFL QB. Can Arthur bring this out of him enough to where his arm and legs will enable him to be an NFL starting QB?

Body Language- I'm a big believer in body language, Fields was horrible in Chicago. I'm hoping the Steeler culture compared to the Bears culture can change this.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Well, this went from Russel is our QB1 no controversy here to an open competition with "whoever plays the best in the preseason" winning the job? I think that's what I saw today.

Really hoping for a redemption arc. And if so, will be very happy I didn't sell low on Fields in either league I have him. I made trades to build both teams to where I wouldn't need him - if he becomes a starter this year, that likely puts both over the top.

Of course he has to play well. Don't wanna put the wagon ahead of the horse. Hopefully Fields balls out in preseason, and more importantly, limits his mistakes. No fumbles, limit the picks. Make good reads, show some touch.

The door is more than cracked open though.

 

[barackdhouse]

I thought Tomlin said it would be a competition from the start, but simply that reports had not been positive on Fields there for quite some time. And I do think that you would have to otherwise call Wilson the "incumbent" or favorite for lack of a better term. But I always thought his hold on that lead was tenuous at best.

 

[steelcityman]

Reports for Fields are getting better every day. I guess it depends on who/what you read/hear from.
I do think its Wilson's job to start the season, but the leash will be relatively short.
I also think the steelers want to see as much Fields as they can now, and maybe offer some extension to him before start of season. Wouldnt mean he starts week 1, but it would mean they have someone for the future. They arent resigning Wilson. I doubt they want a $55M free agent. And wont pick high enough to get Sanders in the draft(Dallas will take him).

 

[Max Power]

2 fumbles and 2 sacks in limited action. This is the down side to JF.

 

[crushedspirit]

That is the same Fields as before. Can throw accurate to his first read, but has a slow reaction time and lacks awareness in the pocket, especially if his first read is covered.

 

[Grahamburn]

That is the same Fields as before. Can throw accurate to his first read, but has a slow reaction time and lacks awareness in the pocket, especially if his first read is covered.

It's mostly fantasy guys trying to prop him up. Tough for a pussycat to change their stripes.

 

[FarFromHome]

That is the same Fields as before. Can throw accurate to his first read, but has a slow reaction time and lacks awareness in the pocket, especially if his first read is covered.

It's mostly fantasy guys trying to prop him up. Tough for a pussycat to change their stripes.

Yep. Far better fantasy QB then real life QB. I wanna like him, but I'm beginning to think that one read then panic approach might not work.

 

[Grahamburn]

That is the same Fields as before. Can throw accurate to his first read, but has a slow reaction time and lacks awareness in the pocket, especially if his first read is covered.

It's mostly fantasy guys trying to prop him up. Tough for a pussycat to change their stripes.

Yep. Far better fantasy QB then real life QB. I wanna like him, but I'm beginning to think that one read then panic approach might not work.

I'm re-watching the game on NFL Network right now. He just got sacked by Danielle Hunter after staring down his first read and then panicking when it wasn't open. This after a couple fumbled snaps. Looks like the same guy to me.

 

[dblock05]

Believe the Steelers had a backup center in

 

[crushedspirit]

Believe the Steelers had a backup center in

Herbig is their starting C over the rookie Frazier, for now.

Problem is he's a G who has limited snaps at C. It was a known issue coming into 2024.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

This after a couple fumbled snaps..

As a Steelers fan, this is one of the parts about him that's always been the most concerning for me. Dude puts the ball on the ground a TON. I dont care how many "are going out of bounds when he scrambles, so the high totals are misleading." He needs to squeeze it better.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Actually watched the plays....looked like more of a Herbig issue to me.

 

[Faust]

Mike Tomlin: Fumbles 'negated a lot of good things' Justin Fields did in Steelers debut

 

[Bri]

Tomlin isn't playing that any time soon. There's more games. He could have been nervous. But...no way he plays those mistakes any time soon.

People need to stop telling this kid how great he is and tell him to work on the little things- those will make him great

 

[Statorama]

[Insert that "Travolta confused" GIF from Pulp Fiction]

Lets just say I was hoping for better.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

[Insert that "Travolta confused" GIF from Pulp Fiction]

Lets just say I was hoping for better.

I’d say it was kind of a mixed bag… He was five for six and should’ve been six for six which last I checked is pretty darn good as far as completion percentages go.

There was a read he made that was excellent where he actually did not throw the ball for an interception whereas in the past, that’s a pic Justin would’ve thrown.

The sax he took were less than ideal.

It’ll be interesting to see what Russell Wilson does when he comes back. It will also be interesting to see how Fields responds in his next opportunity when he’s asked to push the ball down the field more.

 

[Statorama]

[Insert that "Travolta confused" GIF from Pulp Fiction]

Lets just say I was hoping for better.

I’d say it was kind of a mixed bag… He was five for six and should’ve been six for six which last I checked is pretty darn good as far as completion percentages go.

There was a read he made that was excellent where he actually did not throw the ball for an interception whereas in the past, that’s a pic Justin would’ve thrown.

The sax he took were less than ideal.

It’ll be interesting to see what Russell Wilson does when he comes back. It will also be interesting to see how Fields responds in his next opportunity when he’s asked to push the ball down the field more.

Just hated seeing some of his same old gremlins pop up. I'll be rooting for that guy to win all season, so lets go Steelers!

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

[Insert that "Travolta confused" GIF from Pulp Fiction]

Lets just say I was hoping for better.

I’d say it was kind of a mixed bag… He was five for six and should’ve been six for six which last I checked is pretty darn good as far as completion percentages go.

There was a read he made that was excellent where he actually did not throw the ball for an interception whereas in the past, that’s a pic Justin would’ve thrown.

The sax he took were less than ideal.

It’ll be interesting to see what Russell Wilson does when he comes back. It will also be interesting to see how Fields responds in his next opportunity when he’s asked to push the ball down the field more.

Just hated seeing some of his same old gremlins pop up. I'll be rooting for that guy to win all season, so lets go Steelers!

I agree. I thought he looked a little hesitant which led to some of his issues.

I kind of want to see him play less cautiously, but that’s a mixed bag as well, as we all know.

That old expression “he who hesitates is lost” kind of applies. I’d like to see him get coached up enough to make good decisions, but not be so in his head that he’s afraid to try.

 

[Faust]

Why the Steelers are changing QB Justin Fields' footwork

 

[travdogg]

[Insert that "Travolta confused" GIF from Pulp Fiction]

Lets just say I was hoping for better.

I’d say it was kind of a mixed bag… He was five for six and should’ve been six for six which last I checked is pretty darn good as far as completion percentages go.

There was a read he made that was excellent where he actually did not throw the ball for an interception whereas in the past, that’s a pic Justin would’ve thrown.

The sax he took were less than ideal.

It’ll be interesting to see what Russell Wilson does when he comes back. It will also be interesting to see how Fields responds in his next opportunity when he’s asked to push the ball down the field more.

I thought he was also actively trying not to run. That's not something I'd expect in the regular season. I kinda got the feeling the Steelers wanted him to play outside of his comfort zone, almost like a stress test.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

[Insert that "Travolta confused" GIF from Pulp Fiction]

Lets just say I was hoping for better.

I’d say it was kind of a mixed bag… He was five for six and should’ve been six for six which last I checked is pretty darn good as far as completion percentages go.

There was a read he made that was excellent where he actually did not throw the ball for an interception whereas in the past, that’s a pic Justin would’ve thrown.

The sax he took were less than ideal.

It’ll be interesting to see what Russell Wilson does when he comes back. It will also be interesting to see how Fields responds in his next opportunity when he’s asked to push the ball down the field more.

I thought he was also actively trying not to run. That's not something I'd expect in the regular season. I kinda got the feeling the Steelers wanted him to play outside of his comfort zone, almost like a stress test.

I agree. I saw a Convo on Twitter between two fantasy heads during the game… One said he missed a read on an RPO where he could’ve taken off and run for a touchdown. The other said he believed he was trying to stay in the pocket, but if this was the regular season, he would’ve taken off.

 

[sm8680]

Did anyone see that Justin fields one hand catch in the left corner of the end zone from Russell Wilson? Justin makes it look so easy.

 

[Faust]

Russell Wilson got the start, but Justin Fields gave more sizzle to the Steelers

Memo to Pittsburgh Steelers: It's time to make Justin Fields, not Russell Wilson, QB1

 

[Pietaster2]

My QB redraft strategy in 2024 is to wait until the 9th round, get Jayden Daniels (or someone else if I miss on JD) and then grab Fields in the final round, after I grab a kicker.

If Fields opens the season the starter you’ll get a running QB who was going as high as the 3rd or 4th round in fantasy in ‘23, for free. Nice little scratch off lotto card at the back of your bench, and if Wilson is announced to be the starter before game 1, then you just drop Fields.

I’d imagine if Fields was announced to be the starter today that he would rise to the 10th round ADP by virtue of him being the final rushing QB on the board.

 

[DocHolliday]

My QB redraft strategy in 2024 is to wait until the 9th round, get Jayden Daniels (or someone else if I miss on JD) and then grab Fields in the final round, after I grab a kicker.

If Fields opens the season the starter you’ll get a running QB who was going as high as the 3rd or 4th round in fantasy in ‘23, for free. Nice little scratch off lotto card at the back of your bench, and if Wilson is announced to be the starter before game 1, then you just drop Fields.

I’d imagine if Fields was announced to be the starter today that he would rise to the 10th round ADP by virtue of him being the final rushing QB on the board.

Fields has to be the starting QB for the Steelers. He has passing flaws but will move the ball much better than Wilson.

 

[Kiddnets]

My concern is that Pitt promised Wilson the starting gig when he signed for cheap there. I have a feeling theyll give him 1st shot with an uber tight leash. Either way I think Fields plays a lot this year.

 

[Mongidig]

My QB redraft strategy in 2024 is to wait until the 9th round, get Jayden Daniels (or someone else if I miss on JD) and then grab Fields in the final round, after I grab a kicker.

If Fields opens the season the starter you’ll get a running QB who was going as high as the 3rd or 4th round in fantasy in ‘23, for free. Nice little scratch off lotto card at the back of your bench, and if Wilson is announced to be the starter before game 1, then you just drop Fields.

I’d imagine if Fields was announced to be the starter today that he would rise to the 10th round ADP by virtue of him being the final rushing QB on the board.

I would hold onto Fields if you can. I think Russ starting is the best case scenario. There is no way he holds onto the job. I’d be more concerned that Fields started and lost the job. I don’t see a scenario where Fields doesn’t get in there at some point. I think the fans will revolt having to go through a full season of Russel Wilson.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Russ looked putrid. Could be rust, could just be the level at which Russ “cooks” these days.

I’d say it’s more like Russ is cooked. People were bashing Fields for the 2 sacks he took. Russ had 5 drives and took 3, leading them to zero scores.

Fields at least gained yardage with his legs, hasn’t thrown picks, and looks more spry & has a livelier arm.

I’m expecting him to win the week 1 starter job, though neither QB has looked great. Sometimes you get what ya pay for I guess, but there’s no doubt at this point Fields brings more to the table as their QB.

Next week is probably the deciding factor - whomever looks better probably wins the gig.

 

[crushedspirit]

One can run a bit but he lacks most of the positive traits required to succeed consistently as an NFL QB, while the other is a statue who has been reduced to a check down QB that can't pass over the middle of the field.

Pick the one who is less horrible than the other and pray your defense can hang on somehow during the season.

 

[Pietaster2]

Russ looked putrid. Could be rust, could just be the level at which Russ “cooks” these days.

I’d say it’s more like Russ is cooked. People were bashing Fields for the 2 sacks he took. Russ had 5 drives and took 3, leading them to zero scores.

Fields at least gained yardage with his legs, hasn’t thrown picks, and looks more spry & has a livelier arm.

I’m expecting him to win the week 1 starter job, though neither QB has looked great. Sometimes you get what ya pay for I guess, but there’s no doubt at this point Fields brings more to the table as their QB.

Next week is probably the deciding factor - whomever looks better probably wins the gig.

Exactly, chances look very good that Fields will win the starting job because Russ is washed. Grab Fields while he’s free, because while he “sucks” as a real life NFL QB, QBs who routinely have 80 yard rushing weeks win fantasy championships.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

One can run a bit but he lacks most of the positive traits required to succeed consistently as an NFL QB, while the other is a statue who has been reduced to a check down QB that can't pass over the middle of the field.

Pick the one who is less horrible than the other and pray your defense can hang on somehow during the season.

I largely agree, but with the caveat that I believe Fields can improve at the things he’s currently not great at, where Wilson is what he is at this point. And likely declining from there.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

while he “sucks” as a real life NFL QB, QBs who routinely have 80 yard rushing weeks win fantasy championships.

On this one we’re in complete agreement. It’s like an extra TD a week in our FF box scores.

And ya never know - he could turn into a less sucky NFL QB along the way.

 

[msudaisy26]

Maybe it is just me, but I am starting to get that feeling that both these guys will play. I am not talking about this season, but almost like rb where the coach rides the hot hand.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Maybe it is just me, but I am starting to get that feeling that both these guys will play. I am not talking about this season, but almost like rb where the coach rides the hot hand.

Certainly possible, though I do feel like one will emerge as the better weekly starter & relegate the other to the bench.

 

[msudaisy26]

Maybe it is just me, but I am starting to get that feeling that both these guys will play. I am not talking about this season, but almost like rb where the coach rides the hot hand.

Certainly possible, though I do feel like one will emerge as the better weekly starter & relegate the other to the bench.

I should have been more clear. I mean to start the season. Like the first 4ish weeks.