The Pittsburgh Steelers have kicked off the 2024 season with an impressive 4-2 record, with Justin Fields under center. The Steelers have remarkably improved their offensive game this season, primarily attributed to Fields’ performance. After a few rocky years with the Chicago Bears, the young quarterback may have finally found his footing.
The Bears traded Fields to the Steelers in March of this offseason. After being drafted 11th overall by Chicago in 2021, Fields served as the team’s primary starter, holding a quarterback record of 10-28 in three seasons. Justin Fields’ lack of winning and underwhelming production led many Bears fans wanting change at the quarterback position.
Fields’ reputation took a hit during this time, but the Pittsburgh Steelers remained supportive of the dual threat’s potential. After a few days of rumors, it was announced that the Steelers would acquire Justin Fields for a conditional pick in next year’s draft. Fields would enter a position battle with newly signed veteran Russell Wilson.
Despite the strong performances from both quarterbacks in the preseason, the Steelers had a clear plan. Wilson was the team’s starter, with Fields as the backup. However, when Wilson suffered an injury that caused doubt about his availability for week one, the Steelers’ decision to trade for Fields seemed like a smart move.
Many Steelers players favored Justin Fields as a quarterback, one of whom was George Pickens, the team’s leading receiver last season. When asked about Field’s impact and improvement on the team, Pickens was proud to give kind words to his new passer.
“Just getting out of the pocket was the biggest thing. Him throwing on the run was kind of his repertoire from Justin Fields for years. It’s not like anything that super wow me, but it was very special to see,” said George Pickens to Aaron Becker.
The decision worked great for both parties, as the team finished with a victory over the Falcons, 18-10. Despite the offense’s failure to score a touchdown, the overall production looked smooth, something the team had struggled with for many years. In Week 2, the story would repeat itself once again. Wilson was declared inactive, leading to Fields getting his second start, where the offense looked productive, and the team picked up another win.
In Week 3, Fields delivered another impressive performance wearing the black and gold, passing for 245 yards in the victory. The difference in team morale from a year ago is evident, with Justin Fields emerging as the leader of the offense. As a former first-round pick, he finally looks comfortable in an offensive system, something he lacked in Chicago.
After the game, Fields’ impressive performance was recognized in the locker room, especially by Head Coach Mike Tomlin, who expressed strong support for the team’s new starter.
“He’s doing an awesome job ask doing what we’re asking him to do, um, playing and plan to win, um, and so that’s appreciated,” Tomlin said during the team’s week three press conference.
Justin Fields defined his starting job against the Indianapolis Colts in week four. Although the team suffering their first loss, Fields was nowhere near at fault. Fields combined for 367 yards and three total touchdowns which broke multiple records in the Steelers’ franchise history. This masterclass of a game from Fields put him on many fans’ radars as the franchise guy in Pittsburgh.
Offensive morale is currently at an all-time high, Pittsburgh fans are happy, and the team is winning football games. Although Russell Wilson is a great leader and presence on this football team, Fields is playing too damn good to be replaced once a healthy Wilson returns.
