The Pittsburgh Steelers have recently been heavily linked to Chicago Bears quarterback, Justin Fields, largely due to comments made by ESPN's Adam Schefter about how much Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin likes Fields.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin.
Schefter's remarks about Tomlin's admiration for Fields have caused oddsmakers to adjust the odds of Fields joining the Steelers dramatically, fueling further discussion about the possibility.
Steelers' Mike Tomlin Would Fail Justin Fields And Himself According To Colin Cowherd
However, popular sports personality Colin Cowherd expressed doubts about the compatibility of Fields and Tomlin's coaching style, suggesting that Fields might not thrive under a defensive-minded coach like Tomlin.
In a segment on his show The Herd, Cowherd voiced his concerns about the potential pairing of Fields and Tomlin.
“Reportedly, Mike Tomlin likes Justin Fields. I do not think this is great for Justin Fields' career. I think he needs an offensive head coach. The Bears and the Steelers, there’s an argument are the two most defensive driven brands in the league. The Bears and the Steelers do not provide in my opinion, what Justin Fields, talented, but who needs lots of refinement, they don’t provide what he needs.”
He questioned whether the Steelers' defensive-oriented approach would suit Fields, who, in Cowherd's opinion, would benefit from working with an offensive-minded head coach. Cowherd pointed out that both the Bears and the Steelers have reputations for defensive prowess, suggesting that Fields might not receive the support he needs to develop as a quarterback in such an environment.
“Fields with another defensive culture? I’m sorry. The Steelers couldn’t get their O-line right for six years. They can’t get offensive coordinator right, there’s a lot of drama with their offense, not a lot of points.”
Cowherd highlighted the Steelers' struggles with offensive coordinator and the ongoing issues with their offensive line. He emphasized the importance of stability and effective leadership on the offensive side of the ball, suggesting that the Steelers might not provide the ideal conditions for Fields to succeed.
Despite Cowherd's reservations, the Steelers have made significant changes to their offensive coaching staff. The hiring of Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator brings a fresh perspective and a proven track record of success from his time with the Tennessee Titans. Smith's emphasis on a strong ground game and play-action passing could provide a favorable framework for Fields to thrive within the Steelers' offense.
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Steelers OC Arthur Smith (right) during his time as a Titans coach.
Smith's offensive philosophy aligns with Fields' skill set, particularly his mobility and ability to excel in a play-action system.
With talented running backs like Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris in the backfield, Fields would have the support of a robust rushing attack to complement his passing abilities. This combination of factors could create an environment in which Fields can comfortably showcase his talents as a rusher and simply the passing game.
While Fields has shown small promise as a passer, his consistency and effectiveness at the professional level have been questioned. Despite throwing for over 6,000 yards and 40 touchdowns in his first three seasons combined, Fields has also thrown 30 interceptions, indicating areas for improvement in decision-making and accuracy. However, his dynamic playmaking ability as a rusher adds another dimension to his game, making him a dual-threat quarterback with the potential to impact games in multiple ways.
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Chicago Bears quarterback, Justin Fields.
Acquiring Fields would undoubtedly involve significant financial and strategic considerations for the Steelers. While the initial cost in terms of draft picks might not be prohibitive, the decision to commit to Fields long-term would require careful evaluation, particularly regarding his performance and fit within the team's system. The potential investment of $25 million guaranteed for Fields' fifth-year option underscores the importance of making a well-informed decision about his future with the Steelers.
The speculation surrounding Fields' potential move to the Steelers has sparked debate about his compatibility with Tomlin and the team's offensive system. While concerns have been raised about Tomlin's defensive-oriented approach and the Steelers' recent history of offensive struggles, the hiring of Smith as offensive coordinator offers hope for a more balanced and effective offensive strategy.
Fields' unique skill set as a dual-threat quarterback presents both opportunities and challenges for the Steelers, who must weigh the potential benefits against the financial and strategic implications of acquiring him. Ultimately, the decision to pursue Fields will require careful consideration of his fit within the team's culture and his ability to thrive in Pittsburgh's offensive system.
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