The Pittsburgh Steelers have revamped the quarterback room for the 2024 season with Justin Fields and Russell Wilson. Not only are there new faces at the position, but there is also a new set of abilities, especially with Fields. Pittsburgh went 18 years with Ben Roethlisberger as their starting quarterback, who had little to no running ability. Now, Pittsburgh has one of the best ball carriers at the quarterback position in Fields. He hasn't quite displayed his running ability in 2024, but fans should expect to see more of it as the season moves along.
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Steelers' Justin Fields runs with the football in Week 2 of the 2024 season against Denver.
Wilson hasn't been available for the Steelers, so Fields has assumed the reigns of the offense and led the Steelers to a 3-0 start to the season. He has been winning games by taking care of the football -- being an efficient passer, but he hasn't shown off his ability to run the football much. There was the expectation that there would be more designed runs for the quarterback, but that hasn't been the case. Fields spoke to the media on Thursday, where he was asked if the lack of running seen from him has been by design in a video posted by Amanda Godsey.
"Nah, I need to get my legs going a little bit, it hasn’t been by design. Shoot, when I see my guys downfield, they can run faster than me—I think. I don’t know, I’m just gonna say they can."
Since entering the league in 2021, Fields has been one of the more dangerous quarterbacks when it comes to running the football. He has had his troubles as a passer, which seem to be turning around with the Steelers, but he was always relied upon to run the football during his time with the Chicago Bears.
AP
Steelers' Justin Fields gets ready to call a play against the Atlanta Falcons in 2024.
Fields finished top-10 in MVP voting during his second season with the Bears, and it is safe to assume it wasn't because of his passing. The quarterback started 15 games on the year and recorded just over 2,200 yards passing and 17 touchdowns. This isn't terribly impressive, but he managed to rush for an additional 1,143 yards and eight touchdowns.
Currently, Fields is on pace to have the lowest rushing yards per game in a season during his career. Through three contests, he has just 90 rushing yards, which comes to 30 yards per game. For reference, in 2023, he averaged 50 yards per game and in 2022, he averaged 76. Pittsburgh doesn't need Fields to try to lead the league in rushing, but if he can start to be more effectively on the ground, he may open things up in the passing game and for Najee Harris on the ground.
What the Steelers are currently doing is working, as they have a 3-0 record. They will be going for their fourth win against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 4. However, once the Steelers move on to tougher opponents later in the year, it may be time for Fields to move the ball himself in the rushing game.
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Steelers' Justin Fields warms up before Week 1 against the Falcons.
Steelers' Week 4 Matchup Is Perfect For Justin Fields
Pittsburgh will be traveling to Indianapolis for their Week 4 contest against the Colts, who happen to have one of the worst rushing defenses in the entire NFL. This is good news for Harris and Fields. Indianapolis is currently giving up 179 rushing yards per game, which is the second worst total in the NFL behind the Dallas Cowboys - who the Steelers will play in Week 5. Indianapolis played the second-worst rushing offense in Week 3 in the Bears, and they still are one of the worst rushing defenses in the league statistically.
The next two weeks are the best opportunities for Fields and the Steelers' rushing attack to find their groove, and there should be an offensive game plan that involves using Fields on the ground.
What do you think about Fields wanting to use his legs more? Let us know in the comments below!
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