Steelers Quarterback Justin Fields Needs To Be Better: "A Lot Of Wow Plays, Not A Lot Of Wow Drives"

The Pittsburgh Steelers potentially have a future franchise quarterback in Justin Fields, depending on how the 2024 season pans out. The Steelers acquired Fields via trade in the 2024 offseason from the Chicago Bears for a 2025 draft pick, which could either be a fourth-rounder or sixth. As the 11th overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, Fields is considered one of the best athletes in the entire league. Although his first three seasons with the Bears did not go so smoothly, he has another shot at becoming a franchise quarterback at just 25 years old.

The Ohio State product started his tenure with the Bears with a rough rookie season, only throwing for seven touchdowns while adding 10 interceptions in 12 games. Things would improve from there, though, which is something analysts have noticed. From year one to three, Fields' completion percentage, passing yards, and touchdown to interception ratio have all improved. Fields' passing attack has been critiqued the most to this point, but him using his legs is another story. 

In 2022, Fields had a historic season on the ground, rushing for over 1,100 yards and eight touchdowns. There has never been a doubt about his ability to run or create explosive plays, but his pocket presence and skills as a passer are what bring questions. Granted, he was playing for an organization that isn't highly regarded for developing quarterbacks. 

Fields knew his time with the Bears ran out as they were expected to draft Caleb Williams with the first overall pick. Where he would end up, he was not sure. He wanted to come to Pittsburgh, though. That was before and after the arrival of Russell Wilson. Now, as Fields and Wilson both suit up in the black and gold, the biggest headline in Pittsburgh this offseason is who will be the starting quarterback. 

Fields is now focused on improving as a quarterback and doing what he can to take the starting job from Wilson, who is accordingly in "pole position" for the starting gig. What can Fields work on to improve and turn into a franchise guy? Analyst and former NFL quarterback Chris Simms has a few notes for Fields during his discussion on the quarterback.

"Execute play after play in the pass game and be surgical. When you really look at him, there's a lot of wow plays, but there's not a lot of wow drives. There's not a lot of consistency there. There's a whoa, there's a wow throw and there's a wow scramble, and then they punt it." 

The hope is that Fields is in a much better suited offense in Pittsburgh than he was in Chicago, giving the opportunity of a future in Pittsburgh a greater chance. Fields did not have his fifth-year option picked up, meaning he will be a free agent before the 2025 season if not signed to an extension prior to the new league year in March of 2025.

"Right now I categorize him as a guy that kind of needs to be in a certain offense and the game needs to be played a certain way for him to be at his best. And I think what he's in Pittsburgh will be suiting to him. But, we'll see, and hopefully he gets that opportunity."

Steelers' Opponents Preparing For Justin Fields In Any Way

Given Fields elite play-making ability, we could assume we will see him on the field at some capacity. With the new kickoff rules, there was a rumor leaked that he could potentially be returning kicks, but he shut that down. There have also been ideas that have not been confirmed that he could be in a package set with all of the running backs in a pistol formation. It was recently reported that many teams expect the Steelers to use Fields near the goal line, either to pass or run. 

What do you think? Will Fields develop into a better passer and be more "surgical"? Let us know in the comments.

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