Arthur Smith Dodges Question about Justin Fields Package
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith says that it is too early to know if the team will have a Justin Fields package.
The idea of implementing a ‘Justin Fields package’ into the Pittsburgh Steelers offense has become one of the more significant stories of the offseason. Of course, it all hinges on Fields not starting in Week 1, but with Russell Wilson in ‘pole position,’ most expect Fields to be the backup. In an interview with Missi Matthews, offensive coordinator Arthur Smith addressed the idea that Fields could have a package specific to him.
“It’s too early… Both of those guys, they’re playing quarterback, and they’re out here competing,” Smith said. “We know where we’re at in the part of the year, we’re playing football in shorts. We’re trying to improve and get to know everybody and get themselves, getting the chemistry with everyone else on the offense. It will be a fun time in Latrobe, watching those guys compete.”
Justin Fields is one of the most dynamic runners in the entire NFL. So, it’s not surprising that this has become a talking point, especially in the same offseason where there were legitimate talks about Fields returning kicks. However, Fields says that special teams coordinator Danny Smith said that in jest.
A package for Fields seems inevitable if he is the backup. Not only does Smith have an expansive quarterback run game in his playbook, but Fields could also be a deadly weapon in the red zone. For Smith’s offense, which ranked just 30th last season, and the Steelers, who ranked just 25th last season, Fields could flip the script on that narrative.
Once Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren are added to the equation, it’s hard not to add a run game package with Fields taking advantage of his speed and contact balance. Smith referred to the competition that will come in training camp as essential to watch, and it will be, but if Fields does not win the job, expect a package for him to be a real possibility.
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