Justin Fields refused to openly acknowledge that he has been dropped to second-string on the quarterback depth chart for the Pittsburgh Steelers this week, as per his instructions. However, Fields did talk about how he handled the apparent change in his situation almost candidly as the Steelers got ready to meet the New York Jets on Sunday night. Fields, who led the Steelers to a 4-2 record with a 93.9 passer rating, 66.3% completion percentage, and 10 touchdowns, is observing Russell Wilson practice with the first team this week. Does Fields find it frustrating that despite his strong performance, he did not retain his starting position?Fields admitted, “If I’m being honest with you, I don’t think I played well enough,” before practice on Thursday at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. “If I’m being honest with myself, I don’t think there would be any debate about who should play or not play if I performed well enough.”
For whatever reason, Fields has started the season as the backup centre on the Steelers’ official, league-mandated depth chart. Wilson is the starting quarterback, according to head coach Mike Tomlin, who pronounced him so in the early spring. Wilson was hindered by a calf injury sustained on reporting day to training camp, which worsened three days before the start of the regular season, giving Fields a chance to take the lead in the Steelers offence.
The 25-year-old, four-year NFL veteran who has made 38 starts, spoke to the media during his first opportunity since Tomlin announced on Tuesday that Wilson will be a part of the starting offence. Fields gave off a more upbeat vibe with his body language, despite his approach to the week. Fields remarked, “I know that I am preparing the same (as if he’s starting).” This season, Fields has consistently reaffirmed his mantra—that he won’t allow either the highs or the lows to pull him too far from his centre.
According to Fields, “I think it’s a lifestyle,” on Thursday. You don’t really get to pick when to do it, so it’s not something you do every week. I believe that’s just my personality and the way I work. Fields stated that he is amenable to unique packages that offensive coordinator Arthur Smith includes in the game plan in order to utilise Fields’ skill set. When providing an overview of his play through six weeks, Fields referred to his tenure as a starter in the past tense. It mostly reflected the team’s performance; the Steelers have only twice scored more than 20 points offensively, but they are now tied for first place in the AFC North. “We managed to secure a few victories in the end,” Fields remarked.
Naturally, I’m happy about it. However, there are still certain things I could do better, so I’m going to keep working on them and improving.