Steelers' Mike Tomlin Suddenly Felt Nervous With Justin Fields In The Game And Pulled Him

The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off of a season in which the team started three different quarterbacks, and Head Coach Mike Tomlin would like to avoid having to do that again in 2024. It seems as though Russell Wilson has likely locked up the starting quarterback role after leading the offense to a score on his only drive against the Detroit Lions. Justin Fields came in to replace Wilson, but he didn't play as long as some fans would have liked as Tomlin began to get nervous with him on the field.

A glaring issue with the Steelers' offense throughout the 2024 preseason has been the protection. The offensive line has struggled mightily, which was clearly on display during Pittsburgh's second preseason game against the Buffalo Bills. Wilson was able to stay clean while he was on the field, while Fields certainly took some hits. 

He came into the game on the second possession with the starting offensive line, and Tomlin pulled him once the reserve linemen began to cycle into the game which he discussed during his postgame press conference, when he was asked why the starting linemen were in with Fields.

"Cause you just wanted to put some people around him that could protect him. That's appropriate. You could see I got nervous when we moved on from some of those groups and I got him out of there."

Tomlin didn't feel comfortable putting Fields out there when he wasn't lining up behind the best offensive linemen the Steelers had to offer. This could also have a lot to do with Fields' risky play-style. The fourth-year quarterback is talented, but he often puts his body on the line while trying to make a play. Tomlin didn't want to see his potential starter take a injury-causing hit during a meaningless preseason game with the regular season right around the corner.

There were a few examples of Fields getting fairly roughed up while taking on the Lions. He used his legs twice, and was also sacked twice. There was a miscommunication between Fields and the center while he was lined up in shotgun and he had to scoop the ball off the ground. 

Instead of just falling on the ball, he picked it up and tried to fight through a swarm of tacklers. This is the kind of protection and play that got Tomlin nervous, and it's exactly why that happened to be Fields' last possession. 

Fields will likely begin the 2024 season as the backup to Wilson, but the Steelers still want to keep him completely healthy. He would be one of the best backup options in the league, and the Steelers surely have plans to use Fields in certain packages that showcase his athleticism. Pittsburgh clearly values him, and it's why Tomlin got nervous having him on the field with some of the reserve offensive linemen.

Steelers' Offense Looked Best It Has Since The Start Of The Preseason

The Steelers starting offense had yet to put points on the board, but the unit looked more explosive than it has all preseason. They capped off their first drive, that included multiple chunk plays, with a touchdown run early in the first quarter. Fields then led the second drive and the offense was able to find the end zone once again. It's only preseason, but the offense could be hitting its stride right in time for the regular season.

Both Wilson and Fields showed that they can be valuable to the offense, but going with the more experienced quarterback is certainly the safer option. If he struggles consistently during the regular season, Fields will probably get an opportunity at some point. Either way, the fan base is feeling much more optimistic about the 2024 season after the preseason finale.

What do you think about Tomlin getting nervous with Fields in the final game of the preseason? Let us know in the comments below!

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