Justin Fields benched as former Bears' quarterback becomes a rare stat in NFL history
For all the criticism that the Chicago Bears deservedly took for their lack of a sustainable development plan for Justin Fields, the Pittsburgh Steelers made a decision impacting Fields that hasn't been done before in the Super Bowl era.
While Russell Wilson was named the Steelers' starting quarterback after the preseason, a calf injury led the Steelers to start Fields for the first six games of the season. Despite Fields leading the Steelers to a 4-2 record this season while playing responsibly, an improvement from his decision-making with the Bears, Mike Tomlin opened the door back to Wilson earlier this week when he mentioned the veteran would get reps with the Steelers' first-team in practice.
With the writing on the wall, Fields once again showed why his character is the reason why he quickly became a fan favorite during his time in Chicago.
On Saturday, multiple NFL insiders confirmed that Wilson will indeed be the starting quarterback for the Steelers in their Sunday night game against the New York Jets.
The #Steelers are planning to start QB Russell Wilson on Sunday, as Wilson is finally healthy. Expect both QBs to play, but Wilson is expected to play the bulk of snaps.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 19, 2024
The presumptive starter in camp took first-team reps this week, per @TomPelissero and now slated to start. pic.twitter.com/rrPEQ20Z5M
With the benching, Fields became the first quarterback in the Super Bowl era to lead a team to a 4-2 record and then not start the 7th game of the season.
Bringing Russell Wilson back as the Steelers’ starter would be an unprecedented move by Mike Tomlin.
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) October 17, 2024
Fields would be the first QB in Super Bowl era to lead a team to a 4-2 record & not start their 7th game
Scoop City: https://t.co/JqCn45oZTL pic.twitter.com/hdNUJO6JBX
Justin Fields can't catch a break with latest Steelers' decision.
The good news for the Bears is that the Steelers are still planning on using Fields for a package of players. In order for the Bears to gain a fourth-round pick from the Steelers, Fields needs to appear in at least 51% of the team's offensive snaps. Based on starting the Steelers' first six games, Fields needs to play approximately 11 more quarters in order for that to happen.
Overall, this seems to be the overwhelming theme of Fields' career. Giving his running ability, Fields is capable of making a highlight-reel touchdown play in each game he starts. But, as a passing quarterback, Fields leaves much to be desired. Though, the argument, is that Fields, as a passer, was improved this season compared to his previous three with the Bears and that growth should have been allowed to continue.
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