Justin Fields Strengths and Weakness, Part 2: Passing Potential
The offseason is well underway for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and with it comes a looming decision at the quarterback position. Should the team keep Justin Fields or Russell Wilson in 2025 as their quarterback? Despite recent reports, it looks as if Russell Wilson could be one-and-done in Pittsburgh, so you would think they would turn to Fields as their man in 2025, and potentially beyond.
While Fields could earn a better contract elsewhere, our own Coach KT Smith has decided to take to his Twitter/X account and start a series of short videos on what strengths and weaknesses reside in Fields’ game.
Part 1 of the series was based on Fields’ Pocket presence. You can see all previous parts of the series below:
Part 1: Pocket Presence
In Part 2 of the series Coach Smith dives into Fields’ potential as a passer. This has several videos tied to it, which you can see below:
Posting short videos on the strengths and weaknesses of Justin Fields. Here are a couple of clips from the Dallas game in Week 5 that examine Fields’s ability to process and go through progressions from the pocket. Check it out ⬇️@FFSNSteelCity pic.twitter.com/wthoxF8AeC
— Kevin Smith (@KTSmithFFSN) February 8, 2025
Continuing with our short videos on Justin Fields. Today we’re looking at Fields’s ability to extend plays from the pocket vs. holding the ball too long and taking sacks. Check it out ⬇️@FFSNSteelCity pic.twitter.com/dKuSVjMF2o
— Kevin Smith (@KTSmithFFSN) February 9, 2025
Continuing today with our breakdowns on the strengths and weaknesses of Justin Fields. Here’s a look at Fields’ prowess throwing the deep ball:@FFSNSteelCity pic.twitter.com/o0WwWs5tWC
— Kevin Smith (@KTSmithFFSN) February 11, 2025
Often times we forget we only saw Fields for six games, as he helped orchestrate a 4-2 record for the Steelers in 2024 before being forced to give the reigns over to Wilson. What Fields showed was likely just a glimpse of what he could do, but the reason for me sharing Coach Smith’s videos is he doesn’t crown him as the heir apparent to some quarterback throne, but merely shows both the strengths and weaknesses to his game.
I’ll keep posting these as they come, but it is important to also remember how a full offseason with Arthur Smith could emphasize some of these strengths and possibly decrease some of the weaknesses.
Be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the rest of the offseason.
The more I watch of Fields, the more encouraged I am. But as Jeff said above, he’s not a guy who is this generational talent who will transform the offense alone. He’s a valuable piece with great potential who, like the Eagles have done with Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia, could become an upper-echelon QB with the right pieces around him.
If the Steelers resign Hurts and commit to him, they need to build a modern offense with talented skill position players and a strong OL. His best attributes will shine in a system that presents the defense with more of a threat than Fields running and chucking up deep balls.
100% agree, and Hurts is exactly who I think he’s most like.
Great stuff Coach! I agree they need to “work with him…” but not just “coach him”, design an offense for who he is right now that can be expanded into who you want him to become. I don’t want to see them try to force him into an offense that doesn’t fit him.
I agree, but my question is this…
Is Arthur Smith the right man for the job? To create that offense?
I think he COULD be. I think it would be better for Fields this season to not change his OC on him yet again, so for that reason I’ve been fine with Smith coming back this year. But if it doesn’t work, that just sets things back even more (but could put the Steelers in a closer place to grab the next QB in 2026). That’s if the Steelers are able to bring Fields back.
I’d have to go back and check, but has Fields ever had an OC for two straight years? I know he’s never had one three straight seasons…
I think your right, in a sense I see Smith and Fields as a package deal… if it works out then great because then you have your potential franchise guy and a OC that believes in him. But if not I don’t even know it sets them back because then they will actually be in a position to take on of the QBs in the potentially stacked 2026 QB class. Then with that QB you can bring in a new OC with experience in growing a young QB.
Last season did not inspire me with confidence that he is, buuuut he’s who we got.
I agree with Dave that he could be, but I feel like that discussion ultimately takes us right back to who’s really in charge of the offense.
IF the rumors are true… and that’s a big if… Smith is said to have preferred Fields as the team’s QB over Wilson. Maybe that’s a scheme thing, or a potential thing, or maybe a control thing. Whatever it is, it gives me hope that Smith feels he can design an offense in which Fields will be successful.
That said, having just gone through all of the games in which Fields started, it really looks like an offense designed for Wilson. Which I’m inclined to believe it was, considering Wilson was anointed the starter when he was signed. Point being, if the Steelers run back the 2024 offense next year, don’t get your hopes up. For Fields to succeed, it will have to look significantly different.
Fields definitely needs an offense that he feels comfortable in and plays to his strengths. If they roll with Fields this year, then I hope a higher comfort level will let him settle in and read the field faster. From what I could tell Fields had a really hard time getting through his progressions correctly and seeing the open man. It could be contended that there weren’t many open men and that the Steelers were obviously deficient at the WR position. I would say that all of this is true. Fields needs good receivers that know how to work the voids in the defense, who can present him a target he can find. He also needs to settle in and get his eyes where they need to be. I don’t think there are very many people more athletically gifted on this earth than he is. I don’t personally think he’s the guy the Steelers need. That said, If they want to keep him around, then they need to set him up for success. He is absolutely a guy that could win you a playoff game. I just don’t think he’s going to get you much farther. I would love to be proven wrong because he’s so young and obviously a great guy to have in your locker room. This time of year is great because anything can happen.
Good stuff! I think I’d be disappointed if it’s anyone but fields next year. As much as we clowned on the “moon ball” by the end of the season, i would like to see fields develop some of that. Sometimes it seems like he “bullet passes” (for you madden players) every throw vs putting some touch on the ball. Either way, the throws to Pickens and Freiermuth vs the colts were beautiful.
I think maybe for Fields you have to change the offense a little. I hate to keep harkening back to Philadelphia, but they figured out how to make Hurts work for them. They are great running and have just enough passing to make the offense very effective. Just like in the Super Bowl the Steelers shut done Barkley, but Fields did enough to win. There was nothing otherworldly. Just good solid decisions on some easy throws.
Philadelphia Eagles’ quarterback Jalen Hurts’ best plays from 3-touchdown game vs. Pittsburgh Steelers | Week 15
Oh, absolutely. The offense Fields ran the first six weeks was tailored towards Wilson, because he was the guy they expected to be the starter. Arthur Smith is sharp enough to understand that an offense for Fields has to include more plays from the gun, more spread sets and more read-option concepts. I’d be shocked (and terribly disappointed) if they ran back the 2024 offense next season with Fields.
Fields makes far, far too many mental mistakes to be the right guy going forward. You could do a very similar breakdown with Jameis Winston and see just how good he can be throwing the ball, but the other side of the coin is all the mental mistakes that guy makes. I think both guys are very much in the same boat right now, and I see pain & misfortune to any franchise that bets the house on one of these QBs.
They are entertaining, but ultimately won’t win games for you, particularly in the postseason. If you turn the ball over in the postseason, you might as well just give up, because the team that wins the turnover battle is going to win 95% of the time. I think that’s the main reason why Fields was benched, and why Russ went to the Pro Bowl.
Remember all those times people wanted to put the blame for those “bad snaps” on Zach Frazier? All those issues magically went away when Russ was under center, because it was 100% on Fields for those mental mistakes. There’s a clip that shows Fields calling for the snap, then looking away from the ball, and getting surprised when the ball hits him in the face. You simply can’t have that from your starting QB in the NFL.
I look back to what I just witnessed and draw conclusions. I honestly believe that if Wilson is healthy for Dallas, the Steelers win handily. Likewise, I don’t think Fields beats the Ravens or Cincy in the first contests, and I also believe he, too, would have lost the final five. In other words, I think game for game- the Steelers don’t make the playoffs with Fields at qb. They actually finish third in the division. I’m not advocating to sign Russell Wilson again as much as sharing what sobers any enthusiasm about Fields, despite the good work presented in this study. Head to head considering the real game situations we just witnessed this past season, I think Wilson is a better qb than Fields. That, right there, kind of sums up the ceiling I believe Fields has. The team around him- offense and defense- would have to be spectacular to be a contender and without it, the positive would be a likely higher draft pick for 2026.
Justin Fields with a clipboard in his hand after a real good start might be just what the doctor ordered. It was on my wish list at the start of the season. You bet the offense should be designed around his strengths. What QB are we talking about who is quicker with his arm strength? Can’t coach that stuff, but you can sure coach focus.
I’ll take the under on the times he takes a snap with his face this year.
Allright this has got to stop. Fields is not on Hurts level. Hurts has better lower leg strength and you don’t need me to tell you that it’s just a widely known fact. I will name you 2 QB’s who will do the job better than Fields: Winston and Brissett. What irritates me even more is Steeler Fans still hitching there wagon to Fields as if there is something the other 31 teams overlooked or missed.
This is not a personal attack on Fields it’s just that I am sick of folks insisting on giving Fields yet another opportunity.
Let me ask everybody this question: When the Bears were shopping Fields you’d think that teams like SF, LAR, Miami or KC would go and get him but yet each team felt that there backup was a better option than Fields so what does that tell you about Fields?
Each of the 4 Teams I mentioned would have done so much more with Fields but the fact they didn’t is a Red Flag on Fields part.
I know so many will disagree with me but it doesn’t bother me in fact I welcome it, because I still have yet to see a Real Legit Argument for making him the No.1 QB.
This isn’t really that hard… it’s because the case can be made Fields has not reached his top level of play in the NFL. Some may feel he has, but there is a strong case he hasn’t. He’s 4 years in, was thrust into the starting lineup early due to injury, and was not in a very stable situation for the first 3 seasons. The other 2 you mentioned are 9 and 10 years in and thinking they are going to bring a higher level of play than what they have shown is an opinion that would get someone laughed out of any serious football conversation. So he’s a much better option than those you mentioned because there is more potential development. And with the cost and lack of availability of other QBs this offseason, he’s one of the better options for those reason. It doesn’t mean he’d definitely be the long-term answer, but he at least has the possibility unlike the QBs you mentioned. If he isn’t, then there’s not a lot of wasted money and the next offseason could bring a better opportunity.
Hello your describing Pickett. Kenny gets thrown in with no 1st team Reps and was basically thrown to the Wolves and was expected to pull miracles out his keister. People have told me that Fields was set up for failure in Chicago but at some point that excuse gets to be tiring. I’ve see more out of Winston in half a season with the Browns then anything Fields can could muster.
See this discussion is basically about cost and trying to uncover something that doesn’t exist. At some point fans have to look at Fields and say “Why Bother”.
I hear it from fans that “Oh 2026 is when you’ll find your next QB” well okay what are folks basing this off of?
I’ve seen the 2026 FA QB class and it’s worse than 25. Oh wait I’m forgetting the 26 draft when it’s supposedly a better class, gee where have I heard that before, I know when people were hyping up TVD, Grayson McCall and others. I forget how’d that turn out Dave?
Even if the 26 QB draft class is better what’s to stop the Steelers from repeating the same mistake they made with Pickett(throwing him into the fire with no legit reps and be asked to perform miracles)?
Man, your discussion is all over the place and really makes no valid point. So the Steelers should never draft a quarterback ever again because they might, in the future, not do things the right way? What point are you trying to make?
As for the 2026 talk, I’m not saying that there’s anything magical about that free agent or draft class either. I just know that this year it sucks. If you want to get a decent quarterback this year you probably have to pick in the top five. The Steelers are too far away to realistically move up that far. Next year if the quarterback is playing terrible, whoever it may be, they might be closer to be able to make that move, and typically it doesn’t have to go that high if it’s a decent class. Whether or not there’s somebody good there I don’t know. But there’s not somebody good there this year and that’s what you have to judge. It’s not a “next year is better “but “this year isn’t the year.”
As for the Kenny Pickett stuff… So what? Who cares? He’s not an option for the Steelers this year. When he was told “play better than this new guy or you won’t play“ he chose to ask to be traded. He’ll always have a Super Bowl ring, but he might not get an NFL start. That’s the choice he made. But it has absolutely nothing to do with the Steelers right now. You’ve thrown multiple strawmen out in your response that really have nothing to do with what’s going on as a viable option for the Steelers at quarterback in 2025.
Did you watch Jameis Winston last season? You realize the guy threw so many picks he got benched for a team that only had three wins, right? He had a better offensive line and better weapons than Justin Fields, who managed four wins in six games. It’s not like Winston is going to suddenly get significantly better. The chances of that are extremely slim.
You mentioned how Fields was not in a stable situation his first 3 years and counter to that is: “Your describing Pickett”. Each guy got thrown into a situation that neither was ready for and somehow Fields is allowed to have another shot where as Pickett gets tossed aside. You fail to mention how Tomlin was asked after the Bills loss last year if he was bringing in competition and then the moment he gets Wilson he’s the unquestioned starter. Wilson got all the 1st team Reps and there was never a question of “Why is Tomlin doing it this way” or “Why isn’t he allowing the other QB’s to have there shot with the 1st team”.
The way people judge the 25 QB Draft Class is very concerning. It’s easy for people to toss aside this QB class and say “Wait til 2026” but if one has that kind of mentality then why bother drafting a QB at all regardless of year?
I’ve seen enough of guys like Winston and Brissett to say “I’ll take the bad with the good of both guys” where as Fields it’s that I’ve already seen enough to make me say “Nope”.
Picket got tossed aside because he asked to go. He had the option to work to beat out Wilson and he decided not to even try. And I didn’t say that didn’t describe Pickett. It actually describes a lot of QBs taken in the first round, probably the majority of them over the last 15 years. I never claimed it was a unique situation. I’m just saying it could describe 127 other quarterbacks as well, but if they aren’t an option for the Steelers right now, what’s the point? Talking about Pickett is merely a distraction from the real conversation of the Steelers QB situation for 2025.
The bottom line is there are not a lot of good options for the Steelers at QB for 2025 AND BEYOND. It should be with “AND BEYOND” in mind. I’d rather have a smaller contract for someone who may not be the guy than have a huge contract that would set things back a couple years if it doesn’t work out. There are no slam dunks available, so don’t tie up the salary cap space. That’s why I don’t like the option of Wilson and would rather give Fields one more season to show what he could do. If the Steelers were to go with one of your options, it would not be for the future but merely for being not so bad now, yet not good enough to get them over the hump they’ve been stuck on.
Let’s assume the Steelers aren’t getting a top-end starter at QB this year. If you give me the option of a guy that could still be your guy in 3 years or someone who might be a little better now but definitely isn’t going to be your guy 3 years from now, give me the guy who at least has the chance to be something better down the road.
See your willing to risk it with Fields, I won’t. At what point do folks give Fields the same grief that so many other QB’s get or is it simply so many can’t admit that Fields is who he is: A overhyped Ohio St QB. Deep down Fields knows he can’t cut it as does everyone else but they won’t say it for whatever reason. I also have no faith in the Steelers to develop a QB cause they will do what they did before, throw there young QB into the fire with No Reps and No Coaching and be told: Perform Miracles.
You can disagree with me on this but I have made up my mind that I can’t watch Fields just as I didn’t watch any of the Steelers 2024 Games.
It’s not that I’m sold on him either. I didn’t want the Steelers to add him last year when it was going to take a significant draft pick and they still had Pickett on the roster. It was redundant to have 2 QBs who were both trying to prove they could deserve a 5th-year option. But looking at the options now, and the price of those options, he’s one of the top ones.
I wish you would have lead with the “I didn’t watch any games in 2024” as I would have known not to waste my time. You have nothing to base this off of other than narrative, not data that has been observed. So you watched Browns games but not Steelers games? You said you watched Winston this past season. That statement alone shows you can exit any reasonable Steelers QB conversation now.
I am not sold on Fields but certainly don’t think Russ is the answer for this team, with this OL, this OC , and this offensive philosophy.
As far as no other teams interested , remember when Lamar was a free agent. A QB1 entering his prime. There was ZERO interest around the league and haht is why he re-signed with Ratbirds. One of 2 things – the rest of the league needing a QB whiffed badly on their LJ assessment (i.e. the rest of league can be wrong) and/or he is still a system quarterback….