Steelers' Justin Fields Hopes The Ravens Waste Time Prepping For Two Quarterbacks Because He Is Ready To Go

The Pittsburgh Steelers will potentially have two quarterbacks play in their next game in black and gold when they face the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday night in the Wild Card game. Both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields were brought in during the 2024 offseason after they swept the quarterback room clean. After Wilson took over for Fields, most expected to see the young, mobile quarterback in on various special packages that take advantage of his speed. That did not happen nearly as much as anticipated, but hopefully they will pull out all the stops against the Ravens. 

Since Wilson took over, Fields has only played in four games. The cry for Fields to play resumed when the offense began to falter in the season's final four games. Part of the reason he hasn't been utilized is an abdominal injury he acquired during the loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. 

Fields spoke with the media as the team prepares for the Ravens and was asked how he felt. He was cleared to play Week 18 against the Cincinnati Bengals but did not play a single snap. Fields told the media that he feels good, but is unsure if he will be more involved in the upcoming game. 

"I always prepare the same," shared Fields. "I prepare like I'm playing, so if my number's called, I'll be ready to go."

Head Coach Mike Tomlin told the media the team is open to using Fields more against the Ravens. He clearly recognizes that they cannot afford to leave a weapon like Fields stabled when there is a possibility he can assist in the game. He said they would do anything to win this game.  

The Steelers have been criticized for not using Fields more, especially in the red zone. One of the chief benefits of having two starting-caliber quarterbacks who are so different is that your opponents have to prepare for both of them. The Steelers never really made that a viable threat, but Fields was asked if having two quarterbacks is a difference maker, and he said he hopes Baltimore is spending a ton of time figuring out how they can stop him.

"I think so," said Fields. "I think me just being able to utilize my legs and stuff like that causes the defense to watch the film on that and really just waste time on whether we are planning on running it or not, so it's definitely a plus for us."

Given that this could be his last chance to audition for the Steelers or any other team, Fields was asked if he believes he's done enough. He said he's shown what he could show, and he is just working to get better each day. 

Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith and Tomlin developed a scheme for Fields intended to minimize his mistakes while capitalizing upon his strengths. Many believed that Tomlin was "handcuffing" Smith and making him call a safe offense. 

The Steelers Have A Big Decision To Make

Both quarterbacks have been given a substantial opportunity to prove themselves during the 2024 season. While the initial plan was to have Fields develop behind Wilson, an injury to the former Super Bowl winner early in training camp thrust Fields into the starting role for the first six weeks of the regular season. He got the team off to a 4-2 start, and everyone believed he should just keep the starting job. 

However, when Wilson came in Week 7, he made Tomlin look like a genius. It became an automatic assumption that the Steelers would re-sign Wilson for 2025. He got the team to 10-3 by winning six out of his first seven games. However, the team hit a stumbling block and lost the season's final four games. 

Now the question is whether Wilson should stay in Pittsburgh as a bridge until they find their future quarterback or if they want to take a risk on developing Fields. 

How much do you think the Steelers will play Fields against the Ravens? Click to comment below. 

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