Steady’ Justin Fields shows why he could remain Steelers’ starting QB after leading road upset over Falcons

Justin Fields wasn’t attempting to play like a former first-round choose on Sunday, his first begin with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He wasn’t attempting to disprove outdated narratives that stem from his attempting three years in Chicago. Heck, Fields in all probability wasn’t even frightened about additional strengthening his case to be Pittsburgh’s beginning quarterback over Russell Wilson, who missed the Week 1 sport with a calf harm. 

As a substitute of worrying about these issues, Fields as an alternative targeted on doing his half in main the Steelers to an 18-10 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Fields completed that, and in doing so confirmed why he could possibly be the way forward for the Steelers’ quarterback place. 

“It feels nice to start out the season 1-0,” Fields informed Fox Sports activities’ Pam Oliver after the sport. “In fact, we have some issues to work on, however pleased with the entire group popping out and executing. … Simply everyone throughout. We have issues to scrub up; we need to rating extra touchdowns. However total, I am pleased with the dub.” 

Fields did what was required. He was largely correct (17 of 23), moved the chains, helped the Steelers dictate momentum and engineered six drives that ended with Chris Boswell area targets. Simply as vital, Fields didn’t flip the ball over and didn’t put his protection in any terribly unhealthy spots. 

“The most important factor is I have been right here earlier than,” Fields mentioned. “I’ve began plenty of video games. I understand how good our protection is. I understand how good our group total is. Simply making sensible selections and letting my teammates work for me.” 

Nonetheless, Fields was not merely a sport supervisor. He made a number of performs together with his legs, together with a 12-yard jaunt on third down on Pittsburgh’s opening drive that arrange Boswell’s first area objective. He went downfield a number of occasions to George Pickens on completions that arrange six extra factors from Boswell. Greater than something, large performs like these was the most important factor lacking from the Steelers’ offense within the submit Ben Roethlisberger period. 

“Actually appreciative of his efforts and his play. Actually,” Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin mentioned of Fields’ efficiency. “I am glad I’ve bought two succesful quarterbacks, as I’ve talked about earlier than.”

Fields additionally confirmed spectacular poise that was certainly a byproduct of his years of taking part in in large video games at Ohio State and later in Chicago. Even when issues did not go his or the Steelers method (like when he was stuffed on an unsuccessful sneak on fourth down late within the sport), Fields and the offense by no means misplaced their method. They stayed the course and caught to the sport plan, and the consequence was a gritty win over a group many count on to compete for a division title. 

“Justin, as I’ve gotten to know him, he’s an actual Regular Eddie,” Tomlin mentioned. “He isn’t overly talkative, however he is bought regular, sturdy demeanor. Simply being in stadium with him, among the issues I’ve seen by means of group growth have been confirmed. 

“It is simply good to have the ability to talk with a man that, when issues get thick, you see the clear eyes, here is there, he is stable as a rock, and I believe his play — and thus our play — is sort of reflective of that.” 

No, the Steelers cannot count on to win like they did on Sunday on a weekly foundation. They will ultimately want greater than 156 yards from their beginning quarterback. The Steelers may even have to discover a method to get in the long run zone after failing to take action on Sunday. Perhaps Wilson can assist Pittsburgh do these issues each time he’s cleared to return to the sector. 

What Wilson appears like because the Steelers’ regular-season starter stays to be seen. What Sunday confirmed, although, is that Fields is able to main Pittsburgh to victory in 2024 and maybe past that, too. 

“God positively led me to Pittsburgh,” Fields mentioned. “I am an enormous believer that everyone occurs for a cause. I am positively blessed to be a Pittsburgh Steeler.”