Could This Be The Week Justin Fields Explodes as a Runner?
Could this week's game against the Colts be the week that Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields finally goes off as a runner?
It’s fair to say that the Steelers defense has been the driving force behind their strong 3-0 start but it’s also important to note that Justin Fields steady performance cannot be ignored. Through the first three weeks, the fourth-year signal caller who entered the season as the backup on the depth chart ranks 14th among NFL quarterbacks in EPA/Play all while reducing the negative plays that had plagued him in Chicago. After an encouraging week three performance against the Chargers where he exclusively won from the pocket as a passer, the arrow is pointing up.
But one area that has been surprisingly disappointing thus far has been the quarterback run game element. During his tenure with the Bears, Fields ran for 2,216 yards plus a dozen touchdown scores and was legitimately one of the most explosive runners in all of football regardless of position. But so far in Pittsburgh, the results have been slightly underwhelming despite him getting into the end zone last week on a zone read play in the low red zone. He’s averaging a career-low 3.2 yards per carry in 2024.
Working on a project for the channel… But just wanted to drop this clip to remind everyone that Justin Fields is one of the most gifted athletes that we've ever seen play the QB position at the NFL level. pic.twitter.com/B1yaZLeWmh
— Derrick (@Steelers_DB) June 17, 2024
Arthur Smith has had capable runners command his offense in the past, most notably Marcus Mariota and Ryan Tannehill to a lesser extent. In recent years, Smith has incorporated more zone read elements into the offense, occasionally out of the pistol formation, but I wondered whether he was willing to expand the menu past that. He’s answered that question by trying multiple different concepts whether it’s QB Draws, power concepts with pullers and even sweeps. The imagination has certainly been there but it’s the execution that’s been lacking.
Those frustrations extend well beyond the quarterback position. When the run game is struggling, it’s usually a primary reflection of the offensive line. There’s been far too many mental errors on who to block, which has left Fields, as well as the running backs at times, left to fend for themselves in the backfield versus oncoming traffic. It’s worth noting that Isaac Seumalo has yet to suit up this season and his return alone should provide a noticeable boost to the trenches but in the meantime, guys like Mason McCormick and Spencer Anderson have to provide serviceable play.
I think everyone, myself included, wanted to see some QB run game creativity. Why is it not working?
Oh, I don't know, man. You tell me lol pic.twitter.com/QbN9m1ERbb
— Derrick (@Steelers_DB) September 23, 2024
For full transparency, Fields himself has been a little more indecisive than usual. There was a big missed opportunity last week to pull the ball down on a zone read that would have likely went for an explosive play. His only scramble of the game came on his very first dropback which could be taken as a positive sign that he’s growing and getting more comfortable as a passer. But some of those quick pull down runs put tremendous stress on the defense and are a big part of what makes him such a dynamic playmaker when he’s on top of his game. There have been times this year where he just looks like he’s thinking a little bit too much instead of leaning into his natural gifts as an athlete.
Zone read with the orbit motion removing the LB from the box. Fields reads the EMOL incorrectly and you can see the regret immediately in his body language because he probably scores his 2nd TD of the day if he just keeps it.
Orbit motion removes the LB from the box.
Play… pic.twitter.com/YSm7LOyFBm
— Derrick (@Steelers_DB) September 23, 2024
This week, Fields told the media that he “needed to get his legs going a little bit” and I completely agree. This week against the Colts could be a good week to get those legs loose, too. In week two, an old friend of Arthur Smith in Matt LeFleur put together a wonderful ground and pound gameplan with dual threat Malik Willis under center. Willis registered 41 rushing yards on the day, including a couple explosive runs: one on a quarterback draw and another scramble to pick up a key third down against a blitz.
Could it be the week…? pic.twitter.com/UoxBTi7kw0
— Derrick (@Steelers_DB) September 27, 2024
The best version of this Steelers offense features Justin Fields as both an evolving passer and dynamic runner. There’s some optimism that both of those things could potentially come true this season and in turn, provide Pittsburgh with competent, or perhaps even better, quarterback play. Finding that perfect balance of aggression and risk aversion is something that he seems to still be figuring out, which is understandable considering he’s still getting acclimated to his new surroundings in the form of coaching and scheme.
So far in 2024, Fields has been solid and his steadiness is part of why they’re winning games right now. But I don’t think we’ve seen the best version of what he can become just yet. Potential is a scary word when referencing a 25-year old but there’s some untapped upside that could haven’t yet come to light. Over the first month of the season, I’ve been anxiously waiting to see that first breakout sprint from No. 2. We’ll see if that finally takes place this Sunday in Indianapolis.
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