Justin Fields remained the Steelers' backup to Russell Wilson throughout the 2024 season. His only real playing time came during the six games Wilson missed due to injury at the start of the season, in which the team went 4-2.
However, in addressing the media to tie a bow on the 2024 season, Tomlin said Fields "certainly" showed enough to be a full-time starter for the Steelers and that he took steps to prove he's capable of having such a job.
"I thought that the way that he managed his professional circumstance was really impressive," Tomlin said. "I thought he brought an urgency in his day-to-day work regardless of his role. I thought he got continually better within our system of ball throughout the process. I thought the way he conducted himself makes that a legitimate thought or idea at this juncture."
It's one thing to be a professional amid circumstances. It's another to play the most important position in sports at a high level. I don't need to go into a 2,000-word column on why the Steelers have to get quarterback right. But, the urgency to get quarterback right is something Tomlin acknowledged himself, especially since they've had instability there in three of the past four years.
"It's also been, I guess, three times out of the last four years we've taken a quick exit in the tournament," Tomlin said. "We're having all those discussions and acknowledge that these similarities exist and obviously that's going to be a component of us in terms of our decision-making this time around relative to the subject."
Counting on Fields to be the guy to bring some sort of stability to the position is a risk. Yes, he was the 11th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Prior to coming to Pittsburgh, Fields turned the ball over 41 times in three seasons with the Bears. He was far from an accomplished franchise quarterback.
However, Fields showed a lot of growth over the six starts he had this season. He turned the ball over only twice (one interception, one fumble lost) while scoring a total of 10 touchdowns (five passing, five rushing). He showed growth as a passer from the pocket. And, of course, his mobility was a weapon, even after Wilson took back his starting job once he was healthy.
Fields is a former 1,000-yard rusher. He totaled 289 rushing yards on 62 carries with the Steelers this season. And, it just so happens that quarterback mobility will be a key emphasis at quarterback in 2025.
"Very (important). But that's not a new discussion," Tomlin said. "I've expressed that in this setting and settings like these for years. The X-factor that quarterback mobility is in our game and is trending and been trending. That is not a new discussion."
It was definitely a bit surprising to hear Tomlin be as praiseworthy of Fields as he was Tuesday. The general feeling for months has been Wilson possibly returning, and Wilson wants to stay here. Maybe that still happens. But, Tomlin's candor about Fields makes him a legitimate candidate for the job as the offseason begins.
THE ASYLUM
Tomlin: Fields could 'certainly' start
Justin Fields remained the Steelers' backup to Russell Wilson throughout the 2024 season. His only real playing time came during the six games Wilson missed due to injury at the start of the season, in which the team went 4-2.
However, in addressing the media to tie a bow on the 2024 season, Tomlin said Fields "certainly" showed enough to be a full-time starter for the Steelers and that he took steps to prove he's capable of having such a job.
"I thought that the way that he managed his professional circumstance was really impressive," Tomlin said. "I thought he brought an urgency in his day-to-day work regardless of his role. I thought he got continually better within our system of ball throughout the process. I thought the way he conducted himself makes that a legitimate thought or idea at this juncture."
It's one thing to be a professional amid circumstances. It's another to play the most important position in sports at a high level. I don't need to go into a 2,000-word column on why the Steelers have to get quarterback right. But, the urgency to get quarterback right is something Tomlin acknowledged himself, especially since they've had instability there in three of the past four years.
"It's also been, I guess, three times out of the last four years we've taken a quick exit in the tournament," Tomlin said. "We're having all those discussions and acknowledge that these similarities exist and obviously that's going to be a component of us in terms of our decision-making this time around relative to the subject."
Counting on Fields to be the guy to bring some sort of stability to the position is a risk. Yes, he was the 11th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Prior to coming to Pittsburgh, Fields turned the ball over 41 times in three seasons with the Bears. He was far from an accomplished franchise quarterback.
However, Fields showed a lot of growth over the six starts he had this season. He turned the ball over only twice (one interception, one fumble lost) while scoring a total of 10 touchdowns (five passing, five rushing). He showed growth as a passer from the pocket. And, of course, his mobility was a weapon, even after Wilson took back his starting job once he was healthy.
Fields is a former 1,000-yard rusher. He totaled 289 rushing yards on 62 carries with the Steelers this season. And, it just so happens that quarterback mobility will be a key emphasis at quarterback in 2025.
"Very (important). But that's not a new discussion," Tomlin said. "I've expressed that in this setting and settings like these for years. The X-factor that quarterback mobility is in our game and is trending and been trending. That is not a new discussion."
It was definitely a bit surprising to hear Tomlin be as praiseworthy of Fields as he was Tuesday. The general feeling for months has been Wilson possibly returning, and Wilson wants to stay here. Maybe that still happens. But, Tomlin's candor about Fields makes him a legitimate candidate for the job as the offseason begins.
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