The Pittsburgh Steelers went out and got Russell Wilson and Justin Fields to commandeer their team this season and the duo could engage in a fierce quarterback competition this fall.
Fields and Wilson aren't exactly All-Pros at this stage of their careers, but they will lead a Pittsburgh team that has been busy building its wide receiver depth lately. An ex-49ers QB chimed in on Justin Fields' lesson he needs to learn from Wilson this season, amid skepticism that he would actually learn it.
Now, additional, anonymous criticism of Fields from a former NFL coach is surfacing and it may be a bad omen for Steelers fans hoping for a Fields starting season in 2024-2025.
Steelers' Fields Lambasted By Anonymous Coach
An anonymous coach slammed Fields with quotes on his limitations according to a report from NFL features writer Tyler Dunne on Substack.
“He'd be great as a single-wing quarterback, if that was still around,” the coach said. “He tries to see the whole thing and doesn't see anything. His eyes are all over the place and it's really just hard to watch. It's just bad football.”
Ex-Bears QB Fields' Struggles With Turnovers
The above comments were shared in an article by Steeler Nation, which noted that Fields was near the top of the league in negative plays the last two seasons. Fields has been sacked 135 times in just 40 games to begin his career. He also committed 68 turnovers including 30 interceptions and 38 fumbles.
Fields' many supporters will point out the lack of star power, winning football teammates in general and subpar offensive line play.
Now, Fields' career will become the ultimate test of Coach Mike Tomlin's system and the Steeler Way. Fields has plenty of natural gifts and he has shown the ability to make big plays against talented defenses at a high level. Will he rise to the occasion and further unlock his natural gifts, or will the former Ohio State Buckeyes star fall flat on his face?
With Wilson in the picture serving as his de facto, extra quarterback coach who leads by example, Fields could thrive in Pittsburgh. One thing's for sure: these anonymous comments could end up as extra motivation for Fields to succeed, if he does happen to see them at some point before the season.
