Justin Fields Eyes Starting Quarterback Role with Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields is vying for the starting job ahead of the 2024 season, with head coach Mike Tomlin yet to name a starter with just over two weeks until the season opener.

Fields, acquired by the Steelers in a trade with the Chicago Bears earlier this summer, has made his ambitions clear, expressing confidence in his abilities to lead the team to success.

"I think I've shown what I can do," Fields told reporters on Thursday. "I think the time that I did have with the [first team] practicing in training camp, I think that went well."

Justin Fields Eyes Starting Quarterback Role with Pittsburgh Steelers

However, Fields' bid for the starting job faces competition from Wilson, a seasoned veteran who signed a one-year deal with the Steelers after leaving the Denver Broncos. Despite his impressive rushing ability, becoming only the third quarterback in NFL history to surpass 1,000 rushing yards in a season, Fields' passing statistics are less impressive.

Fields' career record as a starter stands at 10-28, with a completion percentage of 60.3%, 6,674 passing yards, 40 touchdowns, 30 interceptions, and 11 lost fumbles.

Justin Fields Eyes Starting Quarterback Role with Pittsburgh Steelers

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the starting quarterback position, head coach Mike Tomlin remains unfazed, emphasizing the Steelers' consistent success in recent years. The team has not finished under .500 since 2003.

Tomlin's confidence is further bolstered by the Steelers' strong defensive unit, which has been a cornerstone of their success. The defense, led by All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, finished the 2023 season ranked among the top five in the NFL in several key categories.

Justin Fields Eyes Starting Quarterback Role with Pittsburgh Steelers

Fields, while acknowledging that the decision is ultimately not his to make, remains determined to continue proving his worth through hard work and leadership.

"I try to not think about stuff that I can't control," Fields said. "I try to just think about the stuff that I can control. So, I can't control whether or not I'm going to be named the starter."

The Steelers will conclude their preseason schedule on Saturday, with Wilson expected to get the start against the Carolina Panthers. The regular season kicks off on September 10th, when the Steelers host the Philadelphia Eagles at Acrisure Stadium.

Fields' performance in the preseason could play a crucial role in Tomlin's decision-making process, as he seeks to determine the best quarterback to lead the Steelers to another successful season.