In the first three games of the season, Justin Fields effectively executed Mike Tomlin’s strategic game plan. The 25-year-old quarterback managed to play without making mistakes, leading the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense to sustain long drives and dominate possession time, while the defense held strong.
However, in Week 4 against the Indianapolis Colts, Fields was faced with a much tougher challenge that required him to step up significantly. Unfortunately, things did not go as planned.
The Steelers found themselves in a precarious situation early on, trailing by 17 points in the first half due to subpar performances on both offense and defense. Feeling the pressure, Fields began to push himself to make something happen.
In the second half, as he attempted to extend a play, Fields made a critical error. In an effort to evade defenders, he ran backward and ended up fumbling the ball, which the Colts recovered, maintaining their 17-3 lead. This mistake was particularly damaging as it squandered a potential scoring opportunity for the Steelers.
Although Indianapolis failed to capitalize on the turnover by missing a field goal on their ensuing possession, Fields’ error highlighted a troubling trend in his performance. Once again, he fell back into old habits during this crucial matchup.
For the Steelers to have any chance of success moving forward, Fields must play more conservatively and within himself. Over the past three years with the Chicago Bears, we’ve witnessed Fields make some extraordinary plays, showcasing both his deep throwing capability and explosive running ability. Yet, he has also become known for making questionable decisions that put the ball at risk.
The fumble against the Colts was a prime example, as it essentially cost the Steelers valuable points. For Pittsburgh to thrive, they must rely on strong defensive efforts and secure ball handling. Being down by 14 points, it was imperative for Fields to avoid risky plays. If these mental lapses continue, it wouldn’t be surprising if Coach Tomlin considers turning to Russell Wilson once he’s healthy and cleared to play.
Regardless of the circumstances in future games, Fields needs to demonstrate that he can maintain control and effectively lead his team, particularly when they find themselves in challenging situations. Showing the ability to manage games and instill confidence in the offense is crucial if the Steelers hope to mount successful comebacks in the face of adversity.