Steelers notice troubling Justin Fields issue during minicamp after he decide future fate
The Steelers’ Justin Fields is being closely monitored after iffy performances in OTAs.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the teams to keep an eye on in the AFC North this season, as their two-headed monster at quarterback of Justin Fields and Russell Wilson acclimates itself to the Steeler Way.
Fields, however, struggled in a key area during minicamp that has some team insiders feeling worried as the spring and summer seasons get going.
The latest reports show that the former Ohio State football star could have ways to go in terms of his development for Coach Mike Tomlin’s team.
Steelers insider Ray Fittapaldo shared the info in an article posted by Steelernation.com recently.
“The knocks against Justin Fields coming in, a lot of it was accuracy,” he said. “Can he put the ball where it needs to be on a consistent basis?
“Just from observing, and talking to the people in the building, that was a little bit of an issue.”
Insider gives Justin Fields benefit of the doubt
The Steelers insider issued a qualifying statement about the Fields situation that is important to note. Fields and new QB Russell Wilson are both in unfamiliar situations. Both Justin Fields and Wilson are considered to be veterans at opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of where they are in their careers, but they both walked into a situation where expectations are high for Coach Mike Tomlin’s Steelers. Pressure is certainly a factor, along with the newness of it all from system to location to teammates.
“I wouldn’t make it a big deal in May and June guys,” Fittapaldo said. “I think you have to remember, number one, he’s coming in and he’s with a new team.
“He’s with a new OC, a new QB Coach. They’re probably trying to tinker with his game a little bit before they throw him out there in July.”
Last season, Fields completed 61.4 percent of his passes for a Chicago Bears team that was outmatched at virtually every skill position on the field. Fields still will have the ultimate say over whether he succeeds or not, and all eyes will be on him with even more intensity by the time the preseason rolls around.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been heavily linked as one of the best trade suitors for the San Francisco 49ers if Brandon Aiyuk is traded this offseason. The Steelers desperately need receivers this offseason after trading away Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers. However, Aiyuk appears to have a clear preference for the Washington Commanders after a report by ESPN’s Ryan Clark became public on Monday.
The Steelers’ troubles at receiver were well-documented during OTAs. George Pickens is the clear No. 1 target. But the battle for the WR2 spot is going on between players that would fetch a WR3 or WR4 spot on many NFL rosters. Aiyuk would immediately elevate an offense desperate to take advantage of having Russell Wilson play on the veteran minimum this season.
