The expectation is that veteran Russell Wilson would be the Pittsburgh Steelers’ beginning quarterback for the 2024 season, whereas fourth-year quarterback Justin Fields can be in a backup position.
For a lot of, that looks as if the Steelers can be losing Fields’ skills and taking part in a quarterback who is sweet in identify model solely, and hasn’t been at his high-level self for the reason that 2020 season.
However for Professional Soccer Focus’ Steve Palazzolo on the newest episode of the “PFF NFL Present” on YouTube with co-host Sam Monson, having Fields in a developmental position as a backup is sort of intriguing. It provides the previous Ohio State star and Chicago Bears starter an opportunity to reset in a secure surroundings and study beneath offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, very like former quarterback Ryan Tannehill did in Tennessee earlier than taking off, resurrecting his profession.
“The quarterbacks that I discussed have been Aaron Rodgers, like the easiest of these was Aaron Rodgers. The following better of these was Russell Wilson, satirically in his prime. And then you definitely had Ryan Tannehill, proper? These are guys which can be gonna take too many destructive performs, however once they sit within the pocket and throw the ball, accuracy is, is superb. They’re, they’re good productive quarterbacks. And I had Fields sort of like on that continuum,” Palazzolo mentioned of Fields when discussing his ability set, in line with video by way of PFF on YouTube. “Now he hasn’t been very like these guys, however I’m nonetheless on this thought of, okay, Yr 4 sitting and creating.
“I’m intrigued by Justin Fields in a developmental position right here.”
Since popping out of Ohio State within the 2021 NFL Draft, Fields has proven some elite traits. They embrace a powerful, correct arm and a dynamic set of wheels that enable him to increase performs as a passer and even shred defenses as a runner.
By means of his first three NFL seasons, Fields has rushed for two,220 yards and 14 touchdowns, together with the 2022 season by which he rushed for 1,143 yards and eight touchdowns for the Bears.
Whereas he has some nice traits as a dual-threat quarterback, a few of his work as a real pocket passer is what’s holding him again. He tends to carry onto the soccer a bit too lengthy within the pocket, taking some pointless sacks. Within the course of, he additionally tends to have points with ball safety, resulting in 40 fumbles in his first three seasons.
Fields throws deep ball, and has proven some good accuracy at instances. However he wants to wash up a few of the dangerous habits that embrace forcing throws, staring down receivers and extra.
Getting an opportunity to reset behind Wilson, a participant he fashions his sport after, is large. So will being in a system beneath Smith that has had success previously with dual-threat quarterbacks like Tannehill. Taking a step again, correcting some points he’s had within the NFL and getting an opportunity to get his toes again beneath him can be an enormous a part of Fields’ growth within the Black and Gold.
Hopefully that reset will assist him take off sooner or later because the franchise quarterback for the Steelers.
