Steelers Were Alarmed With Justin Fields' Early Anxiety In Pittsburgh: "He Had To Just Work Himself Through It"

Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin didn't enter the 2024 season hoping for a quarterback controversy, but he found himself embroiled in one. When the Steelers signed Russell Wilson after his failed experiment with the Denver Broncos, it was to have former first-round pick Kenny Pickett learn behind the former Super Bowl winner. However, Pickett was not pleased with that arrangement and asked for a trade. That trade led to another trade, and the Black and Gold brought Justin Fields in instead. 

Tomlin immediately told the media that Wilson had "pole position" to start. He added that Fields would be allowed to compete, but the plan was to go with Wilson. Then, that plan fell apart when Wilson could not participate in training camp fully due to a calf injury. That calf injury has lingered, and now, headed into the Week 4 game at the Indianapolis Colts, it appears that Fields will get the nod once again.

Fields has performed well, improving week after week and seemingly doing everything the Steelers have asked of him. He has protected the football, sustained drives, and gotten them at least in scoring position on most occasions. NFL Analyst and personal friend of Tomlin, Jay Glazer from Fox Sports, recently appeared on the Dan Le Batard Show, where he was asked about what happened between Wilson and Fields during those early days.  

Glazer confirmed that Wilson does, in fact, have a calf injury after Le Batard suggested that he might be trying to avoid the embarrassment of getting beaten by Fields. However, according to Glazer, an MRI showed actual damage. Regardless, Glazer believes Fields is doing all he can to show the league that he is better than he appeared with the Chicago Bears.  

Fields is becoming more comfortable with new Offensive Coordinator, Arthur Smith, and the play-calling. The chemistry between him and his teammates is quickly developing. Glazer said that Tomlin wanted to go with Wilson to start because Fields was having his own struggle. However, the calf prevented that from happening. As Wilson is dealing with his setback, Fields is getting all the opportunities to play. 

"While, as this happens, Justin Fields starts getting more and more comfortable," said Glazer. "I think what they were looking for was Fields to get more comfortable because the thing that was really happening in camp, Justin had this, when it came down to two-minute drill or two minutes, in certain situations almost this anxiety, and he had to just work himself through it, and he has. Now that he's done that, he's the type of quarterback that you need because the Pittsburgh Steelers are different."

From Week 1, it appeared that Tomlin and Smith had Fields on a bit of a short leash. The key was for him to minimize turnovers or mistakes, and he has done just that other than one interception against the Los Angeles Chargers. 

Despite that, Fields has been praised for his ability to retain his composure. Mark Kaboly of The Pat McAfee Show said that he appears "emotionless." That isn't described as a bad thing. Fields went from being a top quarterback in the draft to a pariah in Chicago, and then to the starter in Pittsburgh. He appears to be doing all he can not to squander this second chance. 

Steelers Are Just Built Different

Glazer also said that he frequently attends team practices, and coaches ask him what he thinks. Of course, it's impossible to evaluate player performance after a few hours, but he does have a knack for determining a team's culture, and Pittsburgh's is unique. 

He told Le Batard that the Steelers have a "culture of violence." He said they hit hard in everything they do; it doesn't matter if it is just practice. He added there are a few other teams that are similar, but not quite at Pittsburgh's level. He said there are the Steelers, and then there is flag football. 

The Steel City takes pride in its hard-hitting, no-nonsense style of play, and according to Glazer, that is why its defense is so successful right now. 

What do you think about Fields as the starter? Click to comment below. 

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