The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a significant move, acquiring the former Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields in exchange for a conditional sixth-round pick. Fields' tenure with the Bears was marked by both struggles and flashes of brilliance. Undoubtedly, his athletic prowess, particularly his agility and speed, is undeniable. While his passing game in the NFL has faced challenges, there remains optimism and support for his potential.
USA Today
Steelers QB Justin Fields talks to the media.
Josh Lucas, who served as the Bears’ former Director of Player Personnel from 2016-2021, was intimately involved in the evaluation and selection of Fields during the 2021 NFL Draft. In a recent appearance on the Pro Football Focus podcast, Lucas shared insights into the Bears' perspective on Fields when they were thinking about drafting him.
"Our main concern, I think, was, ‘Is this just a two-year starting quarterback in college that needs more time? He's playing around phenomenal talent, offensive line and perimeter skill. He's got more time to operate. Or is this like a lack of instinct?’ That was our big question, and after three years, I would say I think there's a little bit of an instinct issue there.”
Lucas explained that the Bears selected Fields based on their positive evaluations of his performance. They believed his exceptional athleticism would compensate for any developmental needs early on. However, as Lucas observed, this strategy hasn't quite panned out as expected in Fields' NFL journey thus far.
"It's why I think the league just told you he's viewed as a backup quarterback right now more than a starting quarterback. Tremendous person, I won't bet against him having any success going forward."
Lucas exercised caution in making any predictions about Fields' potential failure. Instead, he articulated why he wouldn't wager against Fields ultimately finding success in the NFL.
“He’s always going to be well-liked in the locker room. He’s always going to work his a** off. He’s always going to have those legs to buy him plays that others can’t.”
Many of Fields' Bears teammates held him in high regard, with Jaylon Johnson notably expressing his admiration upon Fields' departure. Lucas' perspective sheds light on why Fields garnered such strong support from his teammates, providing valuable insights for Steelers fans. While Lucas refrains from betting against Fields, he did offer his analysis on Fields' perceived weaknesses and why he believes Fields has encountered challenges in establishing himself firmly in the NFL.
“He just needs to speed up the process and really just needs to trust the offense. If you watch the tape, the throws are within his vision, but he doesn’t let it go sometimes. It leads to holding the ball, it leads to costly sacks and what it really leads to is uneven offense. One week, yeah this is the guy, next week, oh he’s not the guy.”
Fields' career record stands at 10-28, reflecting not only his individual performance, but also the broader challenges faced by the Bears. While not all losses can be attributed solely to his play, they contribute to his narrative. With 6,674 passing yards, 40 touchdowns, and 30 interceptions, Fields showcases raw talent alongside remarkable running ability.
Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune
Steelers QB Justin Fields celebrates a touchdown during his time with the Bears.
Lucas remains optimistic, suggesting that betting against Fields may be premature if he can cultivate confidence and trust in his instincts. However, despite Fields' potential, Lucas acknowledges that his current body of work hasn't yet solidified him as a top-tier quarterback, leading many in the league to perceive him as a backup option.
Steelers Fans Know All About Uneven QB Play
The Steelers faced a situation reminiscent of the Bears with Kenny Pickett's brief tenure, albeit with Fields receiving slightly more time. Pickett's struggles to ignite the offense may resonate with Steeler Nation, evoking memories of missed opportunities. However, Lucas' evaluation of Fields offers a glimmer of hope as well.
Derik Hamilton / AP
Former Steelers QB Kenny Pickett runs out of the pocket during a game.
Unlike Pickett, Fields possesses exceptional athleticism as a runner, posing a significant threat to opposing defenses. With the potential to consistently move the chains, Fields could flourish in Pittsburgh if he hones his instincts. The Steelers are eagerly seeking their next franchise quarterback, and many see Fields as a promising candidate. While Lucas' insights might unsettle Steelers fans, they also provide a candid assessment of Fields' challenges in Chicago and the avenues for improvement.
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