PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Steelers showcased the much-awaited Justin Fields package at quarterback when they needed it most. Late in the Baltimore Ravens matchup, Fields led a series that gave Pittsburgh the first down and ultimately the win. Fields’ ability in a zone read look was key, but Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith sees Fields as much more than a “gadget” guy.
On Tuesday, Smith was asked about his backup quarterback after discussing how New Orleans uses Taysom Hill. Though he has used multiple quarterbacks before, Smith made it clear: Fields is starting caliber.
“Justin to me … we’ve got two starting quarterbacks and he’s a hell of a football player.” Smith said of Fields.
Smith hasn’t been shy about using players in packages. During this same press conference, he mentioned his time with the Tennessee Titans using Marcus Mariotta in situational football and of course Derrick Henry in the wildcat. However, Fields isn’t a gadget guy to Smith. He is a quarterback who can help his team win – in packages or as a starter.
“I think he is a premium starter in this league … you don’t want to be a gadget guy, but he can help the team,” Smith said of Fields. “He’s one of the better players out there.”
Fields as an athlete is undeniably one of the best, if not the best, when taking the field. His strong arm and athleticism made him a hot prospect coming out of Ohio State. Though his run with the Chicago Bears was a rough one, he showed flashes in his six starts earlier this year.
Those flashes showed his play making ability and even being able to make plays within structure. There were some negative flashes as well that included a fumble in a loss to the Indianapolis Colts and a few issues handling snaps. Still, he was 9 out of 19 in the red zone while Russell Wilson has posted 7 out of 18.
That’s not to say Wilson should be benched. Instead, we may see Fields in those situations a little more often. As of now, 16 of 37 in the red zone isn’t a formula for stability. However, Smith knows Fields’ ability and may start to cut him loose.
Alan Saunders provided reporting from Pittsburgh.