The Pittsburgh Steelers faced significant uncertainty at the quarterback position heading into the 2024 season. Russell Wilson was named the starter, but a calf injury sidelined him for the season so far. This opened the door for Justin Fields, who has taken full advantage of the opportunity to showcase his skills to the coaching staff.
AP
Steelers' Russell Wilson talks to Justin Fields during a game.
Through four games, Fields has performed admirably. His play has caught the attention of the national media, who are impressed with his performance. Fields has led the Steelers to a 3-1 record, throwing for 830 yards, three touchdowns, and only one interception, while completing an impressive 70.6% of his passes. He’s also been a threat on the ground, adding three rushing touchdowns.
Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs is widely considered the best quarterback in the league, so any comparison between him and a Steelers quarterback is bound to raise eyebrows. During Friday’s episode of Get Up, producers displayed a graphic comparing Mahomes' and Fields' stats through the first four games. Surprisingly, Fields has outperformed Mahomes so far in the 2024 season, which has turned heads across the league.
Patrick Mahomes and Justin Fields are running a tight race 👀 pic.twitter.com/PGDdfTbwIY
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) October 4, 2024
While many Steelers and football fans might view these stats as cherry-picked or insignificant, they offer an intriguing perspective. Mahomes has faced formidable opponents such as the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Atlanta Falcons, and Los Angeles Chargers.
In all four matchups, he has led the Chiefs to an undefeated record, further solidifying his status as one of the league’s elite quarterbacks. However, his stats haven't lived up to the high standard he has set for himself.
Kevin Sabitus / Getty Images
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes stands on the podium after his team won the Super Bowl.
What makes the comparison between Fields and Mahomes in 2024 particularly fascinating is that both quarterbacks have gone up against the Chargers and Falcons. This creates a more level playing field for statistical analysis.
Even though it's early in the season, the numbers provide valuable insight. The graphic accompanying the comparison acknowledged how unusual it is to measure players so soon, but it also pointed out that stats don't lie. Both Mahomes and Fields have their teams off to strong starts, setting the stage for a promising season.
It’s clear that Fields isn't in the same stratosphere as Mahomes yet—no one is claiming that—but the fact that Fields’ name is being mentioned in the same conversation as Mahomes, and that his numbers are outperforming Mahomes' in some areas, speaks volumes. It highlights just how special Fields might be.
Steelers' Justin Fields Continues To Impress Pundits
His smart decision-making and efficient play have been key to his early success. Fields now has the opportunity to continue his strong performance as he aims to lead his team to a bounce-back victory at home in Week 5 against the Dallas Cowboys.
While Mahomes is widely regarded as one of the best to ever play the position, Fields is starting to carve out his own path. The numbers may favor Fields for now, but sustaining this level of play will be the true test of his potential.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Justin Fields looks to pass in Pittsburgh's Week 1 victory over the Atlanta Falcons in 2024.
Week 5 against the Cowboys could be a pivotal moment for Fields, where he can show that he’s not just a statistical anomaly, but a rising star who can compete with the best. The 2024 season is still young, but both quarterbacks have already given fans plenty to talk about, and the comparisons, though early, offer an exciting glimpse into Fields’ growing potential.
#SteelerNation
