Justin Fields is enjoying newfound success with the Steelers, and Pittsburgh’s coaching staff is apparently a big reason why.
Fields, who has helped the Steelers get off to a 3-0 start, was recently asked to choose between coaching staffs in Pittsburgh or in Chicago, where Fields spent his first three seasons before he was traded to the Steelers earlier this offseason.
“Pittsburgh,” Fields said of teammate Cam Heyward a podcast. “It’s not close.”
Fields’ response shouldn’t be too surprising, and you can argue that it’s not even a knock on Bears head coach Matt Eberflus and the rest of the Bears’ coaching staff.
Let’s start by saying that the Steelers’ coaching staff believes in Fields and his potential, which is why they traded for him. Fields having the faith of his trainers should not be overlooked when evaluating his success in Pittsburgh.
The Steelers also put him in a position where he doesn’t have to be Superman. Sure, Fields still has to make the plays he was called upon to make in Chicago, but he’s not being asked to make the lion’s share of the plays. Instead, Pittsburgh offensive coordinator Arthur Smith put him in a running offense that largely tailors to Fields’ strengths.
Smith and Co. also worked with Fields on some technical issues, specifically his footwork. They also worked with Fields to find the balance between trying to make plays and knowing when it’s good to play it safe instead of forcing something.
Fields also deserves a lot of credit for putting in the work and being willing to coach at this stage of his career, especially when it comes to his mechanics. Fields also accepted his role as a backup to Russell Wilson but made it clear early on that he intended to make it a competition. He took advantage of his opportunities to play with Wilson dealing with calf issues. Fields also earned the respect and support of his teammates in Pittsburgh.
All of which led to a dramatic increase in Fields’ completion rate and a dramatic decrease in his turnovers. In return, Fields won three straight starts for the first time in his four-year career. Fields also relied less on his legs in Pittsburgh, though he said so recently that wasn’t necessarily by design.
Fields is clearly getting the support he needs in Pittsburgh. In Chicago, the Bruins hope to do the same for No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams, who is currently going through growing pains similar to those Fields experienced during his time in the Windy City.
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