There was immense strain on Justin Fields coming into Sunday vs. Las Vegas. Again-to-back losses converged with Russell Wilson getting wholesome, inflicting rumblings of a quarterback change in Pittsburgh. It was nonetheless Fields’ job to lose, not less than for the second — however there’s little question he was strolling a tightrope to remain on the sphere. It was going to take a not only a win, however a convincing effort to stave off any strain.
Fields did simply that and extra, proving he’s not simply the correct man for the job now, however the way forward for the Steelers at quarterback shifting ahead.
It’s unimaginable to understate what Fields has meant to the offense in Pittsburgh. He’s unquestionably one of many group’s most essential gamers by a major margin, and whereas a part of that is because of a collection of sub-par weapons in Pittsburgh, there’s additionally a actuality the place Fields is being immensely underrated by Steelers followers, and past.
There’s no query in the event you take a look at Fields’ passing numbers in isolation it’s a fairly ugly image. On Sunday he completed finishing 58.3 p.c of his passes, didn’t rating a landing, and had a below-average 6.0 yards-per-attempt. Nevertheless, if you dig deeper you see absolutely the ludicrous worth of what Fields is bringing to the Steelers. I promise in the event you’ve been down on Justin Fields you’re about to see himin a distinct mild.
Each fanbase tends to have a look at their very own quarterback in isolation with out understanding the higher developments within the league. After we break down Fields as a passer in comparison with his friends he’s enjoying extremely good soccer.
- Anticipated Factors Added (EPA) per play: 0.101 — fifteenth within the NFL, greater than Patrick Mahomes (0.094)
- Completion % Above Anticipated (CPOE): 2.5 — twelfth within the NFL, greater than C.J. Stroud (2.1)
- Success Charge: 46.3% — 14th within the NFL, tied with Jordan Love
This isn’t a case the place one superior metric helps that Fields is enjoying high-level soccer, it’s that all of them help the truth that Fields is enjoying like a High 15 quarterback — and that is taking place despite a lot going in opposition to him.
The Steelers nonetheless lack considerable weapons exterior of George Pickens. The offense being run by Arthur Smith actually isn’t showcasing Fields’ talents, and he’s primarily working a system constructed for Russell Wilson. Najee Harris has been inconsistent, resulting in much more strain on the quarterback in a run-first Arthur Smith system.
What we primarily have is a situation the place plenty of playing cards are being stacked in opposition to Fields, however he’s flourishing. If we take away the superior analytics from the situation and deal with pure stats it’s unquestionable that Fields is having an elite season at quarterback. Because it stands these are his projected stats for 2024:
300-for-453 (66.2%), 3,134 yards, 14 TD, 3 INT — 93.6 passer score
155 carries, 655 yards, 14 TD
This might be a phenomenal season, particularly with a profitable file and a playoff berth. These numbers are on par with a stable Lamar Jackson or Cam Newton season. Not their MVP years after all, however a typical center yr — for a quarterback the Steelers received for a track, and who’s 25-years-old.
So, once I see Steelers followers suggesting the group has to make the change to Russ, or that Fields has by some means been disappointing, properly … that’s merely a case of not likely understanding the way to watch soccer, or seeing how performances match collectively within the tapestry of a season. There isn’t a doubt that proper now we’re nonetheless seeing quarterbacks across the league wrestle to cope with defensive shifts. Passing is down, turnovers are up, and quarterback efficiency is faltering in consequence. So, to have anybody acting at a stable stage places you a step forward, and after we consider the truth that the Steelers are a very iffy offensive group that have to maintain constructing that aspect of the ball, properly, it’s a rattling good place to be in.
It doesn’t matter that the unique plan was to make use of Russ and run a conservative offense in 2024, as a result of plans change and the most effective groups can roll with the punches. Pittsburgh has discovered itself with a dynamic quarterback who’s able to doing a lot extra than simply managing the sport. The group has two extra video games earlier than the bye week in opposition to the Jets and Giants, which they need to have the ability to win. After that they’ve a break, and it’s right here the group might rework its offense to combine extra designed performs for Fields.
If the Steelers can do that then the sky is the restrict, as a result of this group is for actual.
Winner: Caleb Williams
From the previous Bears’ QB to the present, there’s one thing lovely about every little thing understanding. Williams has been on a tear the final two weeks, and whereas it’s a pleasant profit if you’ve confronted two of the worst groups within the NFL (Panthers and Jaguars), there’s nonetheless no denying that Williams is discovering his footing.
Accuracy is the large factor that has taken a soar in Williams sport. He’s anticipating strain higher and studying the way to manipulate the move rush post-snap together with his imaginative and prescient and pocket motion. This has resulted in an enormous leap to his passing, and Chicago are having success.
This doesn’t imply it’s all a completed product. Williams continues to be missing the flexibility to interrupt explosive performs to his large receivers frequently, however that is actually nitpicking when the group is profitable.
Loser: Cowboys
What’s left to say right here? Dallas’ season goes down the bathroom, they usually introduced this on themselves. It’s not even price discussing every little thing that went incorrect for the Cowboys on Sunday.
Sure, Detroit is sweet however the blowout is inexcusable for a group with the expertise and roster Dallas has. Simply a humiliation, and it’s time for heads to roll as a way to usher in a brand new period.
Winner: The Commanders and Ravens
One of many video games of the week actually didn’t disappoint. This was a fun-ass sport from starting to finish, showcasing the present potential of Baltimore and the unbelievable future in Washington.
It’s unimaginable to name both of those groups a “loser,” as a result of, properly … the Raven gained, but additionally as a result of Washington proved they’ll grasp with the most effective within the league and problem them. It’s unclear whether or not the Commanders can sustain their tear in 2024, however no group has a greater future proper now, exterior of maybe the Bears.
Loser: Deshaun Watson
Yeah, he’s nonetheless a loser. Oh, he’s additionally horrible at soccer too.
