The Pittsburgh Steelers look like one of the better teams in the AFC following their Week 3 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. They dominated Los Angeles in the second half of the game, as the Chargers failed to record a single yard. The offense also looked spectacular as it was led by Justin Fields, who had his best game in the black and gold so far. He certainly seems to be pulling away as the Steelers' official starting quarterback, as Russell Wilson is still sidelined with a calf injury.
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Steelers' Justin Fields celebrates a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers in 2024.
Fields accounted for two touchdowns during the Steelers' win over the Chargers. He ran in a touchdown for the team's first points of the game, and he also found Calvin Austin III on a 55-yard touchdown, which really broke the game open for Pittsburgh.
Fields has improved in each of the first three weeks of the season, as he looks to prove he should be the starting quarterback for the rest of the year. Austin spoke to the media following the game, and described the composure and leadership that he saw from Fields.
"What he’s been doing since he got here; always being cool and collected, communicating all the time on the sideline, getting guys on the same page and just doing exactly what we need him to do to lead us.”
Austin had himself a game, probably the best of his professional career. He had four catches for 95 yards and the game-clinching touchdown, and one of his receptions also gave the Steelers a crucial first down. Austin clearly thinks highly of his quarterback, as he described Fields' ability to lead and keep his composure.
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Steelers Justin Fields prepares to throw a pass against the Atlanta Falcons.
Fields' composure was put on display in the second half. He threw a crucial interception when the game was still tied, but he came back and led the offense down the field on the next possession to score a field goal. Then, he found Austin on the 55-yard touchdown pass on the possession after that. The interception was bad in the moment, but he bounced back like a confident, starting NFL quarterback should.
The fourth-year quarterback now has three starts under his belt with the Steelers, and three victories. He hasn't been spectacular, but has looked better with each start. The team is certainly beginning to rally behind him, and it seems nearly impossible to remove him from the starting spot after the way he has started the 2024 season.
Head Coach Mike Tomlin even had good things to say about Fields following the victory. Tomlin has been relatively neutral when asked anything about Fields or Wilson, as he has been leaving the door open for Wilson to start once he returns to full health. Tomlin has yet to commit to Fields in the long-term, but it's hard to argue with Fields' play so far in 2024.
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Steelers QB Justin Fields working out in Pittsburgh prior to the 2024 season.
Steelers' Justin Fields Opens Up Team's Offense
Fields is by far a better athlete than Wilson. Wilson used to be considered mobile earlier in his career, but as he has aged that part of his game has diminished. Fields however is one of the best runners at the quarterback position in the league. The defense is forced to respect his legs which can open things up in the passing game. He has been able to use his legs to extend plays and drives, and he even ran in a touchdown in the victory over the Chargers.
The offense is already starting to open up more with Fields. He was utilizing the middle of the field, which is something he was criticized for earlier in the season. He had his best passing game of the season, and Pittsburgh's offense looked the best it has. Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith is becoming more comfortable with Fields, and the offense seems to be testing its limits which has led to more points.
What do you think of Fields play so far in 2024? Let us know in the comments below!
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