Steelers' Justin Fields' Stats Skyrocket From Last Season As He Continues His QB1 Run

During the offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers scrapped their quarterback room and brought in a whole new era of players into their locker room. Russell Wilson and Justin Fields both joined the Steelers with a hope of starting fresh on an arguably better overall team. 

Fields was drafted with the 11th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft to the Chicago Bears. During the three seasons with the Bears, Fields threw for 6,674 yards and for 40 touchdowns. He was also known for his legs, running for 1,143 yards in the 2022 season, becoming the third NFL quarterback to rush for over a 1,000 yards in a single season. Fields did have turnover problems in Chicago, which made Bears fans iffy about their young quarterback. Fields threw 30 interceptions with the Bears and fumbled the ball 15 times. So when he came to Pittsburgh, fans wondered if the fourth-year quarterback would be making the same mistakes, or if he'd show growth in his new city.

Fields came into Pittsburgh as the backup to veteran Wilson. The plan was originally for Fields to develop under Wilson however long he stayed, but that soon changed when Wilson reaggravated his calf injury before the season opener versus the Atlanta Falcons. Fields took the starting role and has since continued to prove why he's QB1 and the future for the Steelers, leading the team to a 3-1 record. 

Fields' stats have already seen a positive change with the Steelers. A graphic on NFL Live showcased Fields' completion percentage ranks within the NFL from the last two seasons. Most notably, Fields ranked 29th overall in 2023 versus 7th overall this season, a huge jump from just one season. Fields has a 70.6 completion percentage through Week 4 this season and against the blitz he is sitting at 7th as well. Last season, he was at the bottom of the list at 30. Fields' deep ball has seen some growth. He's the 6th overall quarterback to complete his passes over 15 yards. With the Bears, Fields ranked 24th, another huge stat difference with his new team.

The Steelers have helped Fields' development and confidence overall. With a better offensive line and coaches, Fields is in a better environment in many ways. Rookie Caleb Williams isn't off to a notable start in Chicago like some fans thought he'd be. Williams has a 61.7 completion percentage and just like Fields, he's thrown for three touchdowns, but Williams has four interceptions already. 

The offensive scheme in Chicago wasn't just on Fields, like some may have thought. Fields hasn't shown that's going backwards in his development with the Steelers. It's not only showing he's maturing as player, but the coaches and players around him are helping him grow as well. The 25-year-old is off to a hot start, his stats show that, but he'll need to continue to be consistent throughout the season if he wants to show he's really improved. Fields looks more comfortable in the pocket than he did with the Bears, where he was scrambling to try and make a play. He still uses his legs instead of forcing the ball down the field, where his turnovers came from the last few seasons. 

Although Fields' only notable wide receiver this season has been George Pickens, tight ends Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington have been stepping up and making chunk plays to keep a drive rolling. The Steelers' offense started slow in the first half of the Indianapolis Colts game on Sunday, but despite coming up short, the offense played a lot better in the second half. Fields said on Thursday that there is confidence from the whole team.

"I think we all have it at the end of the day," Fields said. "We know what we can do on the offensive side of the ball. I know I'm super confident in all my guys."

Steelers Look To Pick Back Up Momentum Sunday Night

The Steelers faceoff against another historical franchise Sunday night versus the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys defense hasn't been the best this season, but Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb have been the notable playmakers on the offensive side of the ball. Both offenses will need to execute for one to come out victorious. Fields will get his first taste of a prime time game atmosphere in Acrisure Stadium as a member of the home team. The Steelers are known to get rolling during prime time games and Renegade at night gets Steeler Nation pumped up. 

If Fields leads the Steelers to 4-1 Sunday night, has he proved enough that he's the guy? Or does anyone still want to see what Wilson can give? Let us know in the comments below!

#Steelernation