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Don’t expect Justin Fields to make much of a push for the starting role under center for the Steelers this fall. The recent quarterback addition reportedly struggled in minicamp and OTAs while his counterpart, Russell Wilson, shined.
That might not come as much surprise to the casual fan, as Pittsburgh brought Wilson in to be its leader.
Russ, after being cut by the Broncos, chose to sign with the Steelers for the league minimum with the expectation that he’d be QB1 come September.
That didn’t mean he wouldn’t have competition in the quarterback room, though.
Justin Fields was signed shortly after the team acquired Wilson to both provide depth and to give the passer a fresh start following a failed stint in Chicago.
That said, he intended to vie for that starting role upon arriving to the team facility.
“I’m definitely competing. I definitely don’t have the mindset of just sitting all year. I’m coming in everyday, giving it all I’ve got. I’m pushing [Russell Wilson] to be his best, and he’s pushing me to by my best each and every day.”
-Justin Fields
He wants to see the field!
Unfortunately, early reviews haven’t provided much confidence in him doing so.
Justin Fields has been “inconsistent” this offseason, according to a Steelers beat reporter.
From The Athletic’s Mark Kaboly:
Wilson did nothing through 12 practices to even slightly indicate he could lose the quarterback competition to Justin Fields. The work ethic, the experience, the arm talent and the fact he basically took all of the first team snaps strongly suggest that nothing Wilson can do between July 24 and Sept. 8 would prevent him from starting.
You couldn’t have asked for much more out of Wilson during OTAs and minicamp, on the field and off it. His leadership is more than noticeable, and that’s been true since the first day he showed up. What stood out was his arm talent, whether it was a throw in the flat, at the goal line or down the field.
Fields didn’t get many first-team reps, and that’s significant come training camp. More than that, you can see what made him a first-round pick… and also what made the Chicago Bears move on. The arm strength, speed and playmaking with his legs are undeniable. However, he showed inconsistent accuracy and relied on his feet too quickly after the first read. That stuff can be fixed, but maybe not throughout a training camp.
While Kaboly noted Fields’ playmaking ability, his inability to make the right play on a consistent basis has proved to be his weak link.
Accuracy and a lack of patience in the pocket reportedly plagued the passer, something that’s followed him from his time in Chicago.
Despite the lackluster minicamp showing, he’ll likely see the field in some capacity when the Steelers take the field this fall – maybe even as a special teamer!
While he might not have a shot at winning that starting job this year, he’s only one injury away from becoming QB1. Pittsburgh, who saw a trio of signal callers line up in the backfield last season, hopes its new addition improves over the coming months.