The Pittsburgh Steelers made several significant moves this offseason, particularly in their quarterback room. All of the Steelers' 2023 quarterbacks who saw game action have been moved from the team. The Steelers decided to sign veteran quarterback Russell Wilson to a one-year deal worth the veteran minimum. Following this, they traded for another quarterback, Justin Fields.
Sebastian Foltz / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Pittsburgh Steelers Justin Fields throws the football while Russell Wilson watches during OTAs.
The Steelers have informed Fields that Wilson is set to be the starter. Fields will have a chance to compete for the job, but it is Wilson's to lose or keep. Fields began his career with high hopes of leading the Chicago Bears back to being a formidable football team. However, during his three seasons with the team, Fields struggled, leading the Bears to just 10 wins.
Fields' appeal is no secret. He is one of the most gifted and athletic quarterbacks in the NFL, with a tremendous arm and the ability to throw a good football. However, his throwing mechanics, instincts, and decisions have been questioned at times. He threw 40 touchdown passes, but also 30 interceptions over three seasons. Fields excelled as a rusher, but to succeed in the NFL as a quarterback, one must be a dominant passer.
One of the former Steelers greats, Le'Veon Bell took to social media to respond to a video he saw of Fields throwing passes to a creator known as Route God (his real name is James Everett). In this video, it shows Fields throwing footballs to Everett, but the balls appear to be getting to him fairly late. Bell noticed this and was not shy to critique Fields.
that ball gettin there lateeeeeeeee .. I know it’s routes on air, but this is telling you a lot https://t.co/eKm7WJbWrA
— Le'Veon Bell (@LeVeonBell) June 19, 2024
Bell stated that Fields' late throws reveal a lot, implying this might be a reason for his struggles in the NFL. Fields is a complex case to analyze. His three seasons with the Bears had many downs, but also some ups. Despite the negative criticism, there have been positive aspects as well.
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Quarterback Justin Fields sits on the Chicago Bears' sidelines during a game.
The film doesn't lie, and Fields' tape does have red flags, which is ultimately why the Bears were ready to move on after three seasons. The Steelers traded for Fields, hoping he can learn under Wilson and improve his flaws. Many pundits attribute Fields' struggles to a poor system and constant coaching changes, which, while not excusing his flaws, provide context for why the Steelers might believe in his potential.
Steelers' Le'Veon Bell Knows What A Late Throw Is
Bell's critique will likely frustrate fans. However, Bell understands what constitutes a good or bad pass, having been one of the best running backs who could also play wide receiver in recent years. While it's hard to judge from the video exactly how good or bad Fields' throws were, the timing does seem slow, which Bell felt necessary to highlight.
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Former Pittsburgh Steelers running, back Le'Veon Bell leaps over a Buffalo Bills defender.
Fields' future in Pittsburgh will be a hot topic for a long time. It will be interesting to see if and when he starts or plays in a game for the Steelers. It appears the team has faith in the young prospect and is eager to see if he can be the future of their franchise. Fields is now in a better situation and will have a chance to learn from Wilson, a quarterback he admired during his younger playing days. Bell's critique adds another layer to Fields' next chapter in Pittsburgh.
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