Steelers' Arthur Smith Never Gave Up On Justin Fields: "He's A He** Of A Football Player"

The Pittsburgh Steelers knew their quarterback situation was going to improve in the 2024 season. The decision to acquire Russell Wilson and then trade for Justin Fields introduced an exciting dynamic to the team's future. At almost 36 years old, Wilson brings a wealth of experience and leadership, while the 25-year-old Fields adds youth and versatility to the mix. 

While both quarterbacks have the potential to lead the Steelers for the next few seasons, the team's long-term commitment to Wilson has raised questions about Fields’ role in Pittsburgh moving forward.

Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith has been a vocal supporter of Fields and remains optimistic about his potential impact. Speaking with Chris Adamski on Tuesday, Smith emphasized the unique value Fields brings to the Steelers' offense. Despite limited opportunities, Fields was instrumental late in the game against the Baltimore Ravens, showcasing his ability as a runner to help secure a crucial win. His dual-threat capability is something Smith and the coaching staff are eager to maximize in the remainder of the 2024 season. 

"I don’t view Justin as a gadget guy," Smith said. "Justin to me, we have two starting quarterbacks and he’s a he** of a football player. He can help the team and there’s a fine line."

Smith gave Fields three key plays against the Ravens, leaving Steeler Nation eager for more. Fans had been wondering when the Steelers would incorporate Fields into their game plan, and now that they have, excitement is building. As the season progresses, it seems likely that Fields will see more opportunities to showcase his talents, adding a dynamic element to the Steelers’ offense.

Steelers fans are eager to see how these opportunities unfold and how Fields’ unique skill set can elevate the team's performance. His dual-threat ability as both a passer and a runner offers intriguing possibilities for Smith's playbook, fueling optimism about what’s to come.

Smith acknowledged that he’s no stranger to navigating situations like this, balancing the roles of multiple quarterbacks while maximizing their potential. His confidence in Fields’ impact hints that the Steelers may have more creative wrinkles in store for their offense.

"I’ve done a little bit in my past," Smith said. "We did it down the stretch with Ryan Tannehill and Marcus Mariota, but that was a different situation. When you have the opportunity to throw something at them and put another dynamic football player out there, that certainly helped us."

When Smith was the offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans, he found himself in a somewhat similar situation with Ryan Tannehill and Marcus Mariota, though he admitted it wasn’t an exact match. Smith has shown a strong appreciation for Fields, particularly for his mobility and how seamlessly he fits into the offense Smith envisions. Fields’ dynamic skill set aligns with Smith’s preference for a versatile, unpredictable attack.

Steelers Are Likely To Involve Justin Fields More In The Offense

Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin made the decisive call to bench Fields after a 4-2 start when Wilson returned from a calf injury. Wilson’s return revitalized the passing game, leading the Steelers to a dominant 4-0 streak and an 8-2 overall record. Despite Wilson’s success, the recent involvement of Fields in special package plays has sparked optimism about the additional dimension he could bring to the offense.

For Steelers fans, the prospect of Fields entering the game is thrilling. His ability to keep defenses guessing—whether by taking off with his legs or delivering a strike through the air—adds a layer of unpredictability to the playbook. What Fields demonstrated against the Ravens highlighted just how impactful he can be, leaving fans eager to see how he might further enhance the team’s offensive arsenal.

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