Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin Is “Open To Weaponizing” Justin Fields’ Mobility As A Backup Following New QB1 Announcement

The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially put an end to the quarterback "controversy." Mike Tomlin officially announced that Russell Wilson will be the starting quarterback for their Week 1 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, and most likely beyond. That means Justin Fields will be the backup and hope his time comes. However, he might not just sit on the bench during game day, even though he won't start for the Steelers. Tomlin may have a role for him to add another dimension to this dynamic rushing offense. 

Tomlin was asked about the plan for Fields, since he would presumably ride the bench throughout the season. Tomlin has some other ideas on his young quarterback. 

A lot of the hype around Fields when he came out of college was due to his ability to run. He displayed that ability in preseason, where he escaped a sack, scrambled out, and hit Dez Fitzpatrick on the sideline to complete an amazing play. He definitely has talent, but consistency has been a massive issue. If the Steelers can find a role for him within the offense, all it does is add more speed to a loaded running game. 

Tomlin specifically described it as "weaponizing" Fields and his legs. Packages for him could set up option runs, run-pass options, quarterback powers, and plenty of other gadget plays. There is also the potential of two-quarterback sets, where either quarterback could take the snap, and who knows what happens after that? Fields may be a backup, but that doesn't mean he will be useless for the team. 

The Steelers have not been known to utilize a player as a "wildcat quarterback." They have tried it a couple of times in the past, but have not stuck with it. The most recent time was in a meaningless Week 17 game against the Cleveland Browns, when Josh Dobbs would sub in for Mason Rudolph throughout the game and make plays with his arms and legs. That was the final game of the 2020 season, and they have not gone back to that yet. 

Tomlin appeared on The Rich Eisen Show to talk about the decision at quarterback. It sounds like he is ready to give this new idea a shot

Raheem Morris, who is also a defensive-minded coach like Tomlin, has already talked about how he was preparing to face both Wilson and Fields to open up the season. With this warning, Morris may continue to just hammer out a gameplan to stop Fields' legs. Of course, Tomlin could also be bluffing and trying to get his opponent to spend a lot of time on something that won't actually happen. Only time will tell if that is the case or not for both teams.

Steelers Tried Another 2024 QB As A "Slash"

Even though Fields might get some sort of slash or wildcat role, the Steelers were working on another quarterback getting a more expanded role like that. John Rhys Plumlee got a lot of time in as a return man, special teamer, and even a little bit of work as a wide receiver in training camp. Unfortunately, he couldn't do enough to secure a job, but the Steelers have been working on trying some new things with quarterbacks throughout the offseason.

What do you think about Tomlin toying with the idea of utilizing Fields' running abilities during some games, even though he is not listed as the starting quarterback? Let us know in the comments.

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