The Pittsburgh Steelers' offense has not been as consistent as they would have liked in the first six weeks of the season. Head Coach Mike Tomlin and the coaching staff are likely looking to shake things up for Sunday Night Football against the New York Jets and let Russell Wilson take over the reigns of the offense. A shock to most when Justin Fields has done almost everything the staff has asked from him and has won games. The Steelers however, have to see what they have with Wilson -- especially in the passing game.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Justin Fields looks on during Chargers game.
While Fields is most likely going to be watching Sunday's game on the sidelines, the development and progress he has shown has impressed the coaching staff -- especially Arthur Smith. The relationship that has developed between the two just continues to grow. Fields spoke highly to the media about how Smith has challenged him this year and their relationship.
"He just pushed me every day to get better as a quarterback," Fields said. "Development wise, really just a person too. So I love Arthur. He knows that and yeah, glad that he's our OC."
The Steelers' offense took advantage of the elite legs of Fields through the first week. With multiple injuries on the offensive line, his ability to stretch plays and get yardage was valuable to Pittsburgh's good start. Fields through six games has 1,106 yards through the air and 231 yards on the ground for a total of 10 touchdowns. Unfortunately, in his last two games, he didn't eclipse 150 yards passing -- part of the reasoning of Wilson possibly getting his shot.
Fields has cleaned up some of the issues that surrounded him during his stint with the Chicago Bears. Known to turn the ball over, he has only thrown one interception through six games and lost one fumble. Though Fields feels that he could have played better so far this season, he has shown that he can take over a game that leaves coaches like Smith in awe.
John Bazemore / Associated Press
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields scanning down the field in his regular season debut against the Atlanta Falcons.
Fields is still preparing for the Jets as if he is the starter, but he is ready to fulfill his role as the backup if that is the direction the Steelers go. Fields understands the decision by the coaching staff and agrees that he hasn't played to their standards. The Steelers' passing game is currently ranked 28th in the NFL, something they would like to improve with Wilson behind center against the Jets.
Fields has led the Steelers to a 4-2 start and second in the AFC North. Winning is a big stat for Tomlin, and if Wilson cannot achieve that, Fields could be placed right back in the starting role. Nothing is off the table for a quarterback change mid-game as well, especially if the Steelers' coaching staff doesn't see improvement in the passing game.
Steelers' Possibly Starting Russell Wilson Should Not Worry Fans About Justin Fields
Fields still has room to improve and he knows that. The Steelers do not want to leave any stone unturned when it comes to the future of the quarterback position in Pittsburgh. The Steelers are counting on one of these two quarterbacks to lead the offense past this season.
AP
Steelers' Russell Wilson talks to Justin Fields during a game.
Fields' great relationship with Smith and the coaching staff has shown through six weeks as his progression continues to grow. Fields will continue to prepare week to week as he has throughout the season, but could be taking a backseat if Wilson can move the offense down the field consistently through the air. Tomlin's main goal in this change is to see who gives the Steelers the better chance at playing for a Super Bowl.
Do you think Fields will be getting the starting job back? What do you expect for the future of the Steelers' quarterback position past this season? Who gives the Steelers a better chance for a deep playoff run? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
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