In a land of quarterback mobility coupled with a younger offensive line nonetheless looking for its groove, Justin Fields ought to stay the Pittsburgh Steelers’ starter even as soon as Russell Wilson will get wholesome. That’s how former NFL QB Chase Daniel views the scenario, praising Fields’ stable play whereas believing he’s the most suitable choice based mostly on how the Steelers’ o-line has regarded eight quarters into the season.
Stating his case on Wednesday’s episode of The Facility, Daniel thinks Pittsburgh ought to keep the course.
“There’s one underlying concern we haven’t been speaking about on this present. It’s a really unhealthy offensive line, guys. Even with Russ at 80-90 p.c, Russ isn’t the man at 80 or 90 p.c getting outdoors the pocket,” Daniel stated on the FS1 present. “I noticed about 5 to 6 sacks that Justin Fields was capable of keep away from, get out, and switch right into a constructive achieve. That’s sorta what Ben Roethlisberger was speaking about.
“Apart from that heart for the [Steelers], it’s been unhealthy. You simply gotta defend him slightly bit extra. I feel Justin can do extra outdoors the pocket than Russ can. So for these causes, I’m saying Justin Fields.”
Fields’ greatest shortcomings throughout his three-year run with the Chicago Bears have been unfavourable performs. Too many sacks, fumbles, and interceptions. By two video games with Pittsburgh, he’s but to throw a decide, lose a fumble, and has solely been sacked 4 instances. That places him on tempo to be sacked 34 instances this season after being sacked 44 instances in 13 begins final yr and a league-high 55 instances in 2022. Even his snap-to-throw time has come down, sitting at 2.90 seconds after being above three seconds the earlier two years.
Whereas Fields has hung harder within the pocket this yr, he can run when he must. An awesome instance comes from his 16-yard scamper in opposition to Denver. Dealing with an all-out rush that Pittsburgh couldn’t defend, six rushers in opposition to 5 blockers, Fields rolled left and turned upfield to show a would-be sack into a primary down.
Attributable to accidents and youth up entrance, the Steeler’s offensive line has had a bumpy begin. Daniel’s characterization of its play being “very unhealthy” is simply too harsh, however the group will likely be well-served as soon as injured LG Isaac Seumalo returns and RT Troy Fautanu settles in after making his debut in opposition to Denver.
Daniel’s reference about Roethlisberger got here in response to his feedback on the Footbahlin podcast, saying the Steelers ought to stick to Fields even after Wilson totally heals from his calf harm.
Whereas Fields’ mobility has all the time been an X issue, Daniel additionally praised Fields for being good with the soccer.
“The explanation I need Justin Fields to remain the starter: zero turnovers. He has not turned it over. He hasn’t turned the soccer over,” Daniel stated.
If Fields can hold that streak going in opposition to the Los Angeles Chargers, it’ll be the primary time in his NFL profession he’s gone three-straight video games and not using a turnover. If the Steelers hold taking part in clear, they’ll carry on profitable. And Fields will probably hold his job.
