Steelers' Justin Fields Is Victim Of Savage Report From Analytics Chief: "Justin Fields Is Bad"

The Pittsburgh Steelers are known for doing things "old school," but that doesn't exempt them from being examined under this newer lens of analytics. While analysis has always existed, the idea of using that data to shape coaching decisions has taken the NFL by storm. 

Recently, Aaron Schatz, the chief analytics officer from FTN Fantasy, joined Christopher Carter, a sports reporter from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, on the North Shore Drive Podcast. Schatz is one of the leaders in football analytics, having created both DVOA (Defense-Adjusted Value Over Average), and DYAR (Defense-Adjusted Yards Above Replacement).  

Carter asked Schatz to weigh in on Steelers quarterback, Justin Fields. Fields was drafted in the first round by the Chicago Bears in 2021. They continued to struggle and traded him to Pittsburgh before the 2024 season. Many believe Fields possesses the raw talent to be a solid starter if given the right coaching and support, while others think Fields is a total bust. Carter asked Schatz if he is an "untapped talent resource, or another meh quarterback?" 

"Worse than meh honestly. Could we all be wrong about him? Maybe. Is it likely that we're all wrong about him? No. Justin Fields is bad. I don't want to say Justin Fields is bad because Justin Fields is fun, and Justin Fields is exciting, and the highlights are exciting, and the running plays are exciting, and the deep bombs are exciting. You don't want to pay attention to all the other plays in between where he's not good and all the sacks he takes and all the pressure he makes for himself and all the incompletions."

Schatz goes on to say that Fields had three years in the league in Chicago to grow, and instead, he has put out statistics that are worse than those of an average backup in the league. The odds that Fields will now suddenly turn it around and become a "reasonable NFL starter" are slim. 

However, the "any given Sunday" logic does apply here. Many analysts point out all the obstacles he had in Chicago; the bad coaching, and the lack of weapons. Schatz said if Fields does turn this very rare corner, he will be only the third quarterback to do so. 

"Do you know how incredibly rare it is for a player to be at that level for his first three years and then turn into a reasonable NFL starter," asked Schatz. "There are basically two guys who have done it in the last 40 years, and that is Alex Smith and, if you want to call him a reasonable NFL starter, Jeff George. There is a little bit of an interesting comparison there, like what if Jeff George was not a d***, then he'd be Justin Fields."

Fields did not have the interpersonal struggles that Jeff George did. His teammates speak highly of his work ethic and positive attitude. Schatz said the upside for Fields is tremendous; he has far more natural talent than many other quarterbacks, including Kenny Pickett. But just because the talent exists, doesn't mean it translates to the NFL. We have seen where college stars fail in the pros.    

The Steelers' new Offensive Coordinator, Arthur Smith, has previously turned quarterbacks' careers around. He did it with the Tennessee Titans and Ryan Tannehill. He typically builds an offense based on a strong run game and play-action.

Steelers' Justin Fields Has Stiff Competition

Head Coach Mike Tomlin indicated that Russell Wilson would have the "pole position" as starter based on his once-successful career, which includes a Super Bowl victory. This will allow Fields to develop behind someone who was an elite quarterback. 

However, like Fields, Wilson is far from a guarantee. As Schatz pointed out, Wilson is a different quarterback than he once was. He struggled during his time with the Denver Broncos, and again, like Fields, the reasons for his struggles are not entirely clear. Denver expected Wilson to save the team, but failed to give him the support he needed to be successful. 

This leaves the Steelers with two quarterbacks who must prove themselves to save their careers. This kind of competition could be just what Pittsburgh needs to get their offense back on track. 

What do you think about Fields? Do you think he can turn his career around? Click to comment below. 

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