Justin Fields case for QB1

Okay,
So, I'm back home in the US and was able to watch the last two games back to back. It gave me an interesting perspective on the two QBs. Both had weaknesses in their games. Wilson threw a lot of balls into the dirt Now, it may have been that he was throwing them so only his receiver could catch it, but they were too low for receptions. In fact, there were only two main differences for Wilson over Fields. The first, as has been mentioned a few times on this site, is that he has a lot more touch on the ball. He can throw a laser when he needs to but can also throw a good moonball that allows his receivers to get under it. The second is that he has more years in the game at the NFL level, and it shows. His decision-making is more polished and as a result, the offense just feels more cohesive. On the other hand, Fields is a bigger threat with his feet. Moreover, if Dallas or Oakland were his off games, I'll take it. He wasn't his best, but he was far ahead and anything we've seen in the last few years.

My biggest hope right now is that someone is taking Fields aside and going through tape of Wilson's play and explaining why touch is so important. Although I don't think Fields's ceiling is high enough to be a franchise QB, I do think he is good enough to give us playoff hopes every year and, with strong defense and good run game, perhaps win a SB. However, I would still be happy if we drafted a potential franchise QB in the next two or three years.

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Originally Posted by Craic

Okay,
So, I'm back home in the US and was able to watch the last two games back to back. It gave me an interesting perspective on the two QBs. Both had weaknesses in their games. Wilson threw a lot of balls into the dirt Now, it may have been that he was throwing them so only his receiver could catch it, but they were too low for receptions. In fact, there were only two main differences for Wilson over Fields. The first, as has been mentioned a few times on this site, is that he has a lot more touch on the ball. He can throw a laser when he needs to but can also throw a good moonball that allows his receivers to get under it. The second is that he has more years in the game at the NFL level, and it shows. His decision-making is more polished and as a result, the offense just feels more cohesive. On the other hand, Fields is a bigger threat with his feet. Moreover, if Dallas or Oakland were his off games, I'll take it. He wasn't his best, but he was far ahead and anything we've seen in the last few years.

My biggest hope right now is that someone is taking Fields aside and going through tape of Wilson's play and explaining why touch is so important. Although I don't think Fields's ceiling is high enough to be a franchise QB, I do think he is good enough to give us playoff hopes every year and, with strong defense and good run game, perhaps win a SB. However, I would still be happy if we drafted a potential franchise QB in the next two or three years.

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One of the other random things I never see Fields do is pump fake. He would benefit a lot from developing a good pump fake

QB room is full of adults now.

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Originally Posted by 86WARD

QB room is full of adults now.

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So is the coaching room, which is even more important.

On the adult thing. I watched what we were able to see of Wilson and Fields interacting on the sidelines.

Adults. Got along. Not saying they’re gonna go get beers and wings after the game but got along professionally.

Also noticed in the Jets game on Wilson’s first big deep strike, Fields was running and cheering down the sideline.

Nice to see them not being pouty man children.

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Originally Posted by Mojouw

On the adult thing. I watched what we were able to see of Wilson and Fields interacting on the sidelines.

Adults. Got along. Not saying they’re gonna go get beers and wings after the game but got along professionally.

Also noticed in the Jets game on Wilson’s first big deep strike, Fields was running and cheering down the sideline.

Nice to see them not being pouty man children.

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No way. that friendly banter was for tik tok. They hate each other like Joe Montana and Steve Young!

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Originally Posted by tube517

No way. that friendly banter was for tik tok. They hate each other like Joe Montana and Steve Young!

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Like Favre and Rodgers!

I noticed all the games that Fields is pointing and cheering and having a good time on the sidelines. He’s also dressing for the games!

:yawn:

I would keep Fields and do not think he wants to leave anyway. He can learn a lot from Wilson plus the team is cohesive instead of dysfunctional.

I’d like to see them keep Russ next year with Fields, maybe draft a guy with a higher sort of pick, room to Justin for a year or two and then see the new pick develop into Justin’s replacement. In a perfect world.

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Originally Posted by 86WARD

I’d like to see them keep Russ next year with Fields, maybe draft a guy with a higher sort of pick, room to Justin for a year or two and then see the new pick develop into Justin’s replacement. In a perfect world.

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No need for a draft pick. Just sign Anthony Richardson when the inevitable new coach and GM for the Colts discards him before this year's draft.

Tomlin and Smith's home for wayward QBs gets another resident.

I don’t know…that one may be beyond NFL repair…lol

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Originally Posted by Mojouw

No need for a draft pick. Just sign Anthony Richardson when the inevitable new coach and GM for the Colts discards him before this year's draft.

Tomlin and Smith's home for wayward QBs gets another resident.

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Add in Bryce Young! :chuckle:

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2025 Steelers QB Depth Chart:

Fields
Richardson
Young

Smith rolls out a combination of the wishbone and the single wing offense. League is flummoxed by all those guys in the backfield. Hilarity ensues.

Arthur Smith doesn’t view Justin Fields as a ‘gadget guy,’ says Steelers have two starting QBs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9Qv0yKVQTo

Question for those of you understanding this game better than me.. Fields looked really good until Russ got healthy. Hes lack of downfield shots I beleive was more a result of playbook being somewhat conservative. When Russ started they opened up a little, and he really got hot using his moon ball..

Q: wouldn't it be easier to learn Fields take those shots downfield, versus learning Russ stay or even step up in the pocket? Russ's scrambling seems more of a personality trait impossible to take away

Thoughts?

I feel we still have a diamond in Fields, so little missing to be a top QB. Not to mention red zone efficiency

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Originally Posted by ncgjka

Question for those of you understanding this game better than me.. Fields looked really good until Russ got healthy. Hes lack of downfield shots I beleive was more a result of playbook being somewhat conservative. When Russ started they opened up a little, and he really got hot using his moon ball..

Q: wouldn't it be easier to learn Fields take those shots downfield, versus learning Russ stay or even step up in the pocket? Russ's scrambling seems more of a personality trait impossible to take away

Thoughts?

I feel we still have a diamond in Fields, so little missing to be a top QB. Not to mention red zone efficiency

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My understanding is in the Arthur Smith system you need to be able to consistently take snaps from under center. Otherwise you lose some or most of the play action part of the play book. Fields seems to struggle under center. There are also questions about his processing speed once the ball is snapped. He is in his 3rd offensive scheme since being drafted.

The bright star of the Smith offense is it doesn't require an elite QB to run it effectively. But it does require a versatile QB to run it effectively. The real question is can Fields learn to run this offense, doesn't matter if he could QB for McVay or Shanahan. The potential is there but the evidence is still lacking.

I don't put the red zone scoring issues completely on QB play. The Russ INT was more on Washington just not trying for it. The OL has been improved but still weak in short yardage play. That will get better because it has to.

Hm, yes the under C might ve true, as well as processing. Red Zone i meant also Fields running TD's.
I would be super happy uf they find a way to keep him after this year. To me he feels like Steeler though and though especially with running style OC

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Maybe Arthur Smith can develop Fields, like how Walsh developed Steve Young. Theres a parallel or two there

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Originally Posted by Steeler-in-west

Maybe Arthur Smith can develop Fields, like how Walsh developed Steve Young. Theres a parallel or two there

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Maybe. Maybe Dak comes here and becomes the QB. Maybe we draft Will Howard to come in and run the offense. There are just too many ways things could go.

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Originally Posted by Born2Steel

Maybe. Maybe Dak comes here and becomes the QB. Maybe we draft Will Howard to come in and run the offense. There are just too many ways things could go.

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I sure hope you are wrong about Dak , IMO he is one of the most over rated QBs in the league and to top it off I have found eggs in the hen house that are not as fragile

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Originally Posted by Born2Steel

Maybe. Maybe Dak comes here and becomes the QB. Maybe we draft Will Howard to come in and run the offense. There are just too many ways things could go.

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I'm not a fan at all of Dak, I would not want him here. Hell we couldn't afford him anyway but I believe he is way overrated and comes from my most hated team the Cowgirls, that's just my opinion

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I would not want Dak at the price he’s been signed to either. Way too much.

Dak was an of the many things that could happen. Geez guys, it will probably be some other washed up has been of an over-priced QB anyway. Let's go get that guy from the Alouettes up in Canada.

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Originally Posted by Steeler-in-west

Maybe Arthur Smith can develop Fields, like how Walsh developed Steve Young. Theres a parallel or two there

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Developed Steve Young?? :rofl:

Steve Young was a record setting QB at BYU and Heisman runner up his senior year. He showed his ability in the USFL when they were offering big contracts to lure top college players like Jim Kelly, Herschel Walker, Mike Rozier, Anthony Carter, etc.

Steve Young looked like a classic NFL QB that could pass from the pocket coming out of BYU. Justin Fields looked like Cam Newton that would need development to be a pocket passer.

That being said...the end of this season is either going to see the Steelers sign Fields and try to develop him like Arthur Smith did with Ryan Tannehill, or they are going to sign Wilson and try to see if he can get them to a AFCCG in the next 3 years before the wheels completely fall off of his game.

Personally, I like the idea of giving Arthur Smith 2 more seasons with Russ.

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Originally Posted by El-Gonzo Jackson

Developed Steve Young?? :rofl:

Steve Young was a record setting QB at BYU and Heisman runner up his senior year. He showed his ability in the USFL when they were offering big contracts to lure top college players like Jim Kelly, Herschel Walker, Mike Rozier, Anthony Carter, etc.

Steve Young looked like a classic NFL QB that could pass from the pocket coming out of BYU. Justin Fields looked like Cam Newton that would need development to be a pocket passer.

That being said...the end of this season is either going to see the Steelers sign Fields and try to develop him like Arthur Smith did with Ryan Tannehill, or they are going to sign Wilson and try to see if he can get them to a AFCCG in the next 3 years before the wheels completely fall off of his game.

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Whats so funny about that? How many heisman trophy winners flamed out in the pros. Steve young stunk his first two years with tampa and sat for four years learning behind Montana. Yeah i would say Bill Walsh developed him. Smith developing Fields into a franchise qb may be the best case scenario but it could happen. More likely he walks in the offseason to find a starting gig.

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Originally Posted by Steeler-in-west

Whats so funny about that? How many heisman trophy winners flamed out in the pros. Steve young stunk his first two years with tampa and sat for four years learning behind Montana. Yeah i would say Bill Walsh developed him. Smith developing Fields into a franchise qb may be the best case scenario but it could happen. More likely he walks in the offseason to find a starting gig.

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Don’t question him. His IQ is genius level, he’s rebuilt 68 Camaros and Broncos as well as hunted and skinned deer and Elk. He may have built his own house by himself as well. There is no doubt Walsh and Montana had a big part of Young going from awful in TB to hall of famer. Not to mention the talent surrounding him in Frisco.

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Originally Posted by Steeler-in-west

Maybe Arthur Smith can develop Fields, like how Walsh developed Steve Young. Theres a parallel or two there

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I find it funnier comparing Arthur Smith to Bill Walsh than comparing Justin Fields to Steve Young.

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Originally Posted by DesertSteel

I find it funnier comparing Arthur Smith to Bill Walsh than comparing Justin Fields to Steve Young.

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im not saying Smith is as good as Walsh, I’m saying he could possibly develop a run first Qb into a competent or good passer, like walsh did with young. The degree or magnitude may be different but the trajectory is the same. If Fields could read defenses he would be unstoppable.

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Originally Posted by Dwinsgames

I sure hope you are wrong about Dak , IMO he is one of the most over rated QBs in the league

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This is what you guys were saying in the offseason about Russell Wilson, but as soon as he signed with the Steelers he became a "major upgrade" in the QB room. :willy:

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Originally Posted by Steeler-in-west

im not saying Smith is as good as Walsh, I’m saying he could possibly develop a run first Qb into a competent or good passer, like walsh did with young. The degree or magnitude may be different but the trajectory is the same. If Fields could read defenses he would be unstoppable.

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I think we'd still be 8-3 if we'd kept Fields in as QB1.

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Originally Posted by DesertSteel

I think we'd still be 8-3 if we'd kept Fields in as QB1.

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i dont know, if his passing got better maybe. Hed probably have more rushing TD than passing TDs

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Originally Posted by Steeler-in-west

i dont know, if his passing got better maybe. Hed probably have more rushing TD than passing TDs

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And?

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Originally Posted by 86WARD

And?

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i doubt wed have as good a record because passing doesnt improve that much over the course of a season. Thats something thats worked on in the offseason. I think teams would load the box daring us to pass.

I do not know if resigning Fields and giving him the 2025 starting QB job is the right answer to any questions...but I do not think resigning Wilson is the right answer either.

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Originally Posted by Mojouw

I do not know if resigning Fields and giving him the 2025 starting QB job is the right answer to any questions...but I do not think resigning Wilson is the right answer either.

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Ok. But from where we are currently, the 3 most likely options are Fields, Wilson, or rookie draft pick. Of those 3 choices I trust Russ more. Then probably Fields if we are going to just take the risk and see what we can get out of him. Drafting a rookie behind this OL, 1WR, and no RBs would be my last choice.

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Originally Posted by Born2Steel

Ok. But from where we are currently, the 3 most likely options are Fields, Wilson, or rookie draft pick. Of those 3 choices I trust Russ more. Then probably Fields if we are going to just take the risk and see what we can get out of him. Drafting a rookie behind this OL, 1WR, and no RBs would be my last choice.

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That is probably accurate.

My personal choice would be roll the dice on Fields. While he has a ways to go, he demonstrated over 6 games that he was/is willing to change how he plays in order to get better.

In four games, Wilson seems to be the same guy he has always been. Now, if that is exactly what Smith is asking him to do, then fine - I guess. But if Smith is providing Wilson with options beside hold the ball and throw it deep and Wilson is not taking them; then I would not like the team to sign him for 2025. No interest in a declining Qb who is resistant to coaching. The ultimate outcome of that is Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers was forced to change how he played at the end of his time in GB and he turned in a couple really good seasons. He played his way with the Jets and looks awful. Not saying Wilson would get that bad; but refusing to take input from coaches is not usually a good thing...

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Originally Posted by Mojouw

That is probably accurate.

My personal choice would be roll the dice on Fields. While he has a ways to go, he demonstrated over 6 games that he was/is willing to change how he plays in order to get better.

In four games, Wilson seems to be the same guy he has always been. Now, if that is exactly what Smith is asking him to do, then fine - I guess. But if Smith is providing Wilson with options beside hold the ball and throw it deep and Wilson is not taking them; then I would not like the team to sign him for 2025. No interest in a declining Qb who is resistant to coaching. The ultimate outcome of that is Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers was forced to change how he played at the end of his time in GB and he turned in a couple really good seasons. He played his way with the Jets and looks awful. Not saying Wilson would get that bad; but refusing to take input from coaches is not usually a good thing...

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There was a route that Wilson threw to Washington after he had rolled out and he had Freiermuth so wide open over the top and he threw to Washington instead. Those are the things that drive me nuts with any QB…

According to Tom Brady, the middle of the field is the absolute easiest part of the field to throw to as a professional QB.