Mike Tomlin Doesn’t Want to Squash Justin Fields’ Natural Instincts

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields has turned heads at training camp with his run game abilities. He’s also built a solid rapport with wide receivers George Pickens and Van Jefferson.

Russell Wilson, who’s expected to be back this week as a full participant after dealing with a calf injury, is still in pole position to be the starter, but Fields has narrowed the gap over the last two weeks.

“Justin Fields has gotten better and better and the Steelers love the guy.. I still think that Russell Wilson has the pole position and we’ll see what happens when he’s back from this calf injury,” Schefter said on the Pat McAfee Show.

Head coach Mike Tomlin and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith both raved about Justin Fields’ talents at training camp last week.

“He’s a dangerous football player with the ball in his hands,” Smith said. “It allows you to get creative. Maybe you change up a little bit of a defensive game plan for him. Certainly he adds a different element.”

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields during training camp on July 31, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

Tomlin has been telling Fields to just be himself. He doesn’t want to limit him in any way.

“I don’t wanna squash his natural instincts,” Tomlin told Kay Adams of the Up & Adams Show. “His mobility and escapability is a weapon. We don’t want to minimize that. We don’t want him overthinking. We want him to play fast and fluid. If anything from a messaging standpoint, I’ve probably mentioned that to him a few times. He’s new to the environment, I don’t want him to overanalyze what we might be thinking. I want him to do what comes natural as it pertains to his game.”

Fields relayed the same message when talking to reporters last week.

“Coach T and Arthur (Smith) never want to take away my instincts as far as running goes. We have a dual-threat quarterback in our division that’s very good at running, too, so it’s always good to give the defense that work,” Fields said.

Fields has the most rushing yards by a quarterback since 2022 with 1,800 yards, 6.3 yards per carry. Both figures are higher than Lamar Jackson’s. Fields’ dual-threat abilities have been beneficial to the defense, as well.

“It helps us a lot,” Steelers inside linebacker Elandon Roberts said. “You’ve got Lamar (Jackson), Deshaun (Watson) can still run. … We playing Jalen Hurts this year. We got Dak Prescott. … It gets us prepared for that element.”

Roberts has been impressed with what he’s seen from Fields.

“Outside the pocket, this guy’s a problem. Inside the pocket, he’s a problem. … He’s the type of guy that’s always going to keep you on your toes,” Roberts said.

Alan Saunders contributed reporting from Unity Twp.