After weeks of hypothesis, the Pittsburgh Steelers deployed their Justin Fields bundle Sunday in an 18-16 win over the Baltimore Ravens. Fields trotted out for 3 performs, together with the ultimate two non-kneel downs, securing a vital first all the way down to ice the win. Chatting with reporters immediately, Fields revealed that he was purported to play the week earlier than in opposition to the Washington Commanders.
“I used to be about to go in final week within the Commanders’ recreation, however we held it up till this week,” Fields stated through the Pittsburgh Put up-Gazette.
It’s not clear what scenario Fields was purported to take the sector for. Maybe one among Pittsburgh’s goal-line alternatives although the offense did high-quality with out him, ending the sport 3-of-4 within the pink zone. Or the Steelers’ fourth-quarter conversion on 4th and 1.
With the Steelers’ offense discovering higher rhythm and extra success, maybe the teaching employees determined to maintain Russell Wilson on the sector to keep away from disrupting its movement. Pittsburgh couldn’t get right into a groove in opposition to Baltimore in what grew to become one other low-scoring, punt-happy slugfest.
It feels like Fields was initially purported to take the sector again within the Steelers’ Week 8 Monday night time recreation in opposition to the New York Giants. However Fields popped up on the harm report late within the week with a hamstring harm and was held out of the sport, scrapping the group’s plan. He returned after the bye however didn’t log a snap in opposition to the Commanders.
In reality, Fields advised reporters the bundle was purported to make its debut one play earlier than it did.
“[OC Arthur Smith] stated on the primary down, however I ended up entering into on the second down,” he stated.
Fields first stepped on the sector for a 2nd and 11, taking a designed QB energy for 8 yards. It feels like he was meant to go in for the first and 10 play that ended up being a 1-yard loss from RB Jaylen Warren. The rationale for the delay is unclear, however Fields isn’t griping in regards to the particulars. He’s pleased to assist nonetheless he can whether or not it’s working scout group, getting the offense out of second-and-long or icing the sport.
“I do know Arthur has a whole lot of belief in me,” he stated. “My teammates do as effectively, however all in all simply means loads.”
Formally on tape because the Steelers’ quarterback change, the Cleveland Browns can have a brief week to arrange for the potential of seeing Fields. They struggled in opposition to related seems to be in yesterday’s loss to the New Orleans Saints. Utility participant Taysom Hill went off for 138 yards and three touchdowns on simply seven carries in a 35-14 win. Pittsburgh might not attempt to replicate the identical utilization, but it surely wouldn’t be stunning if Fields is used once more, particularly close to the objective line to try to enhance the offense’s poor red-zone manufacturing.
