Steelers' Justin Fields Is "Absolutely 100% Emotionless" In Every Situation

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the unlikely position of being 3-0 to start the 2024 season with Justin Fields as their starting quarterback. The original plan was for Russell Wilson to be the starting quarterback, while Fields was able to learn behind him. However, Wilson suffered a calf injury, and Fields was thrust into the starting spot. This led to immediate concerns over Fields' ability to play consistently and win games. 

Fields spent his first three seasons with the Chicago Bears after they selected him 11th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. A top prospect out of Ohio State, Fields was praised for his athleticism, especially his ability to escape from defenders, but he struggled with decision-making and consistency at the NFL level. The result was turnovers, which eclipsed what he did well. It's been difficult to explain why he struggled. Was Fields just one of those players whose skills don't carry over well to the pros? Or is the issue that the Bears weren't properly developing Fields?

If an answer was required after only these three games, it looks like Chicago let Fields down. Steelers Quarterbacks Coach Tom Arth seems to be getting the best out of Fields. He has done exactly what Pittsburgh has asked of him: protect the football at a high level, play a conservative game that allows the defense to rest, and put them in position to win. 

Steelers insider Mark Kaboly of The Pat McAfee Show said on 93.7 The Fan's Morning Show that he is blown away by the way Fields has shaken off whatever happened in Chicago. Kaboly told the show hosts, Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson, that Fields hasn't been perfect, but so far, he is impressed with his demeanor. 

"I still want to say, What in the world happened in Chicago these past four years? What happened in April and May and June when he was firing the ball into the stands. Has he changed that much," asked Kaboly. "This is a guy that is absolutely 100% emotionless. You can't tell if it's he won, lost, threw a pick. Nothing. He is steady Eddie. It's stunning to me a guy that's had that much success in college, and that much failure in the pros, be this type of guy that really believes in himself like that. And you can see it. And they believe in it too."

There is still no word on when Wilson might be ready to play or what will happen when he is fully healthy. During his postgame press conference, Head Coach Mike Tomlin expressed his appreciation for what Fields has done the first few weeks. 

Steelers Need To Give Justin Fields A Longer Leash

The Steelers will go on the road again in Week 4 to face the 1-2 Indianapolis Colts. While we don't know which quarterback will start, it certainly seems unlikely that Tomlin will bench the quarterback who has won them three games in a row. 

Kaboly believes the Steelers need to start giving Fields a bit more room to grow. He told Crowley and Dickerson that he believes Tomlin and Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith have kept firm reins on him, drilling into him the importance of not turning over the ball. However, if the Steelers want to continue to win, they need to give Fields an opportunity to show exactly what he can do. 

"How he threw the ball yesterday, I'm willing to give him a lot more. The two throws to [Pat] Freiermuth and [Calvin] Austin, I mean there's not a quarterback in the league that can make a better throw. That is absolutely perfect placement on both of those balls, and Freiermuth should have caught that."

Fields has shown improvement and growth across these three games. Against the Los Angeles Chargers, he threw for 245 yards, with one touchdown and one interception for a passer rating of 96%. Fields was also able to rush for a touchdown.  

What do you think of Fields in Chicago compared to Fields in Pittsburgh? Click to comment below. 

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