The Pittsburgh Steelers opened up the 2024 season with a huge victory on the road against the Atlanta Falcons. Unlike most fans thought going into the 2024, it was Justin Fields leading Pittsburgh to a win instead of Russell Wilson. Wilson is still dealing with his calf injury, which opened up a path for Fields to get the start in Week 1. Fields looked a bit shaky at the start, but eventually settled in and led the team to an 18-10 victory in Atlanta.
Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Justin Fields runs out ahead of 2024 season opener in Atlanta, GA.
Fields was able to get the victory, but it wasn't always pretty. He started the game off with a fumbled exchange with rookie center Zach Frazier, and also missed a wide open Van Jefferson. He fumbled another snap later on, but none of his mistakes led to a turnover. It was a slow start for the Pittsburgh offense, which is something fans have gotten used to over the years. Fields spoke about the slow start in his post game press conference when he was asked what caused the early mistakes.
"I don't know, I mean I guess we can say that. I don't have a reason for it, but just know that won't happen again."
This is a bold statement from the starting quarterback for the time being. The fumbled snaps were an issue during the preseason as well, so promising something like that won't happen again is a bit of a stretch. This should instill a good bit of confidence in the quarterback from the fanbase, as he looked poised throughout the contest and did just enough to get the win.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Justin Fields looks to pass in Pittsburgh's Week 1 victory over the Atlanta Falcons in 2024.
Pittsburgh's offense got better as the game went along, despite not being able to find the end zone once. Chris Boswell was able to nail six field goals which were the only points scored by Pittsburgh, but the offense did just enough by not turning the ball over and being able to eat clock while running the ball successfully. Fields spoke more about his shaky start with the media.
"Yeah, we definitely got off to a slow start. Especially the first play, and then I missed the throw to Van [Jefferson]. But after the first drive I feel like we settled in a little bit, especially as the game went along. Definitely settled in, but definitely had the slow start, for sure."
Fields was able to admit his early mistakes, which is good since there is a chance he will be starting again in Week 2 against the Denver Broncos. Wilson's calf still wasn't good enough for the veteran to be able to play the season opener, and the team will have to monitor it throughout the week to see if he will be able to go against his former team. Fields certainly played well enough to remain the starter, but the team wants to give him some time to develop behind Wilson.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Russell Wilson warms up before a preseason game against the Houston Texans.
Steelers Certainly Still Have Questions At Quarterback Moving Forward
Fields got the win, but he didn't necessarily look spectacular. His running ability adds another layer to the offense, as he gained 57 yards on the ground. Many of his runs came on crucial possession downs, which are important when it comes to eating up clock and keeping the defense off the field. The play-calling seemed to be a bit limited for Fields when it came to the passing game, as he only attempted 23 passes in the game. He completed 17 of them for 156 yards.
There is no question that Wilson is a better passer than Fields, but the fourth-year quarterback's ability to move the ball on the ground can't go unnoticed. That paired with an explosive running attack from Najee Harris could be lethal as the season moves along.
What do you think about Fields words after the game? Do you think he should start moving forward? Let us know in the comments below!
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