The Pittsburgh Steelers are currently sitting at 3-0 to start the 2024 season, and if the regular season ended today, Pittsburgh would have a first-round bye in the playoffs. It's early on in the season of course, but Pittsburgh has shown a lot of promise on both sides of the ball. The defense has been their usual, dominant selves. The offense has also looked good under new Offensive Coordinator, Arthur Smith, and Justin Fields has given the Steelers many reasons as to why he should be their quarterback for the foreseeable future.
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Steelers' Justin Fields walks out ahead of a home game against the Los Angeles Chargers in 2024.
Fields has been one of the better quarterbacks in the league during the 2024 season, which is refreshing to hear for Pittsburgh fans. At this point in the 2023 season, the offense looked hopeless, and the quarterback play was near the bottom of the league. Fields has led the team to a 3-0 start to the season, and he has helped give the Steelers a firm lead in the AFC North. Arguably the greatest head coach of all-time, Bill Belichick, spoke about Fields on Monday while he went on The Pat McAfee Show.
"Well, everybody was worried about the Pittsburgh quarterback situation, they might have the best in the league. You know, they have an experienced guy coming behind Fields if you need him, but they're playing well as a team. But again, long way to go."
Belichick made this comment while the rest of the show was discussing Fields' performance so far in the 2024 season. The former head coach made sure to note that having Russell Wilson behind Fields is huge, because Pittsburgh knows they have two quality options at quarterback if they need it. As of right now, Fields' play has the Steelers looking like one of the better teams in the AFC, as they currently sit atop the conference.
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Steelers' Justin Fields runs during practice ahead of Week 3.
Fields definitely hasn't been the best quarterback in the league, but he is certainly up there after his Week 3 performance. Against the Chargers, he ran in a touchdown while completing 25 passes for 245 yards, which included a 55-yard touchdown pass to Calvin Austin III to basically seal the game. The Chargers had one of the better defenses in the league going into the game, but Fields handled himself well, which has opened the eyes of many across the league.
Belichick noted the Steelers' quarterback situation is one of the best in the league, which must mean Fields' play has been near the top of the league. Fields isn't near the top of the leaderboard for passing yards or touchdowns, but he has been extremely efficient. He has recorded a quarterback rating of 95.3 and a completion percentage of just above 73 percent. He has done everything the Steelers have needed him to, which includes limiting turnovers.
Steelers' Russell Wilson Will Have A Hard Time Getting His Job Back
Wilson was announced as the starting quarterback ahead of the season opener, but his calf injury from training camp flared up again. He is still recovering from it, but that has given Fields opportunities to start. The fourth-year quarterback seems to be running away with the starting job, and it will be difficult for Wilson to dethrone him when he returns to full health.
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Steelers QBs Russell Wilson and Justin Fields look on during practice.
Wilson has made it clear he wants to start, but he would be one of the best backups in the league if Fields earns the starting job for the rest of the season. The coaching staff has no reason to hand Wilson the keys to the offense at this point. Fields has improved week after week, and he has completely earned the right to lead this team. Head Coach Mike Tomlin seems to be warming up to Fields being the starter, as he had nothing but good things to say about the quarterback following the game.
What do you think of Belichick's comments? Have you been impressed by Fields? Let us know in the comments below!
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