Justin Fields Shows Promise but Faces Challenges in Preseason Debut for Steelers
Justin Fields had an intriguing first preseason outing for the Pittsburgh Steelers, but it's uncertain whether his performance will be enough to shake up the quarterback depth chart.
With Russell Wilson sidelined due to a calf injury, Fields got the start. While he flashed moments of brilliance, such as showcasing his athleticism and quick decision-making, the overall performance was marred by mistakes. Fields fumbled two snaps, took two sacks on third downs, and despite completing 5-of-6 passes for 67 yards, the Steelers were unable to score during his time on the field.
Fields’ preseason debut was highlighted by a few notable plays. On the first offensive snap, Fields evaded pressure from defensive end Danielle Hunter and delivered a sidearm throw to running back Najee Harris, who turned it into a 16-yard gain. However, the drive was derailed by a fumbled snap between Fields and center Nate Herbig, resulting in a four-yard loss.
The second drive mirrored the first, with another fumbled snap, though the Steelers recovered. Rookie Troy Fautanu, the first-round draft pick, was beaten by Hunter on a critical play, leading to a sack on Fields. On the third drive, Fields connected with Van Jefferson for a 20-yard gain, but again, the drive stalled due to sacks and miscues.
Despite the final stat line looking solid, with Fields completing 5-of-6 passes, the inability to convert drives into points was concerning. The Steelers need more consistency and fewer mistakes if Fields is to seriously challenge Wilson for the starting role. Fields has more preseason opportunities ahead to make his case, but he’ll need to improve to force the Steelers to reconsider their quarterback plans.
