Justin Fields has found a home with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and is coming into his own through the first three weeks of the 2024 season.
Thrust into the starting lineup ahead of Week 1 in Atlanta, when Russell Wilson was sidelined due to an injury, Fields is in the midst of the strongest start of his NFL career.
In his first season with the Steelers, and in offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s scheme, Fields has completed 73.3 percent of his passes for 518 yards with two touchdowns to one interception, and rushed for a touchdown in Pittsburgh’s Week 3 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers.
Freed from the doldrums of disappointment that seem to surround Chicago Bears quarterbacks, Fields threw some subtle shade at his former team, and coaching staff.
When asked which coaching staff is better during an appearance on teammate Cam Heyward’s podcast, Fields didn’t hesitate.
“Pittsburgh,” Fields said. “It’s not close.”
Despite several coaching staff changes since being chosen No. 11 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, out of Ohio State, the Bears never could get a feel for Fields’ skill set or maximize his potential during his time in Chicago.
A career-61.3 percent passer for 7,192 yards with 42 touchdowns to 31 interceptions, Fields has made the largest strides of his career to this point and seems to have the most upside in front of him now that he’s landed in Smith’s system with the Steelers.
“What’s been very encouraging to me is his pocket presence,” Smith recently told reporters. “He’s stood in there when the pocket gets dirty. He’s made some big throws down the field. I’m very encouraged.”
