Justin Fields' new head coach is already giving him the support that Pittsburgh Steelers' Mike Tomlin never would
Justin Fields may end up being a "what could have been" situation for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers' preferred choice to lead the team in 2025, after being unable to reach an agreement on multiple terms, the Steelers watched Fields walk to the New York Jets. And now, his new team is prepared to use […]
Justin Fields may end up being a "what could have been" situation for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Steelers' preferred choice to lead the team in 2025, after being unable to reach an agreement on multiple terms, the Steelers watched Fields walk to the New York Jets.
And now, his new team is prepared to use him in ways the Steelers would not…
Justin Fields to play quarterback for the Jets…
"Obviously, we want to utilize his [Justin Fields] legs, but we also want him to play quarterback," Jets HC Aaron Glenn said at the owner's meetings. "This offseason, we are gonna allow him during OTAs to go out there and run an offense, and we are gonna make sure we surround him with the right type of people that's gonna make him successful. I want him to be a part of what we're doing, but I think he's a dynamic player, and I think there's more that we can get outta that player, and I'm looking forward to that."
Despite the fact that Fields started six games, won four of them and played games against the Los Angeles Chargers and Indianapolis Colts where he looked like his best self, the training wheels never came off.
In spite of being in a scheme that relies heavily on throwing over the middle, Fields seldom targeted pass catchers in between the hashes. If it wasn't an out route or deep ball, it was tuck it and run.
Don't take my word for it though, look at the data…
That might have been Week 1, but things didn't change. Why? Because Mike Tomlin simply wanted the game managed as Russell Wilson returned to health. He wanted to let his running game and defense win games, not see his quarterback lose them.
So he limited Fields. Arthur Smith can take the blame for not game-planning over the middle of the field, but that's his scheme, his bread and butter. He's not changing that without someone telling him to.
It's why the recent video of Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf working routes that target the middle of the field is such a big deal. It only adds to the theory that Rodgers is joining the Steelers after a stellar meeting that included going over plays with Arthur Smith.
So good for Fields. Maybe he will show how good he can be in New York.
