Steelers have found their QB of the future in Justin Fields

The Pittsburgh Steelers are 3-0 for just the second time since 2010, and they have found their quarterback of the future in the process.

The Steelers defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 20-10 in their home opener. And while it didn’t start pretty, the Steelers’ offense found their footing in the second half and pulled away for a win that should end all doubts as to who their quarterback will be going forward.

Justin Fields had his best game as a Steeler against the top defense in football in terms of EPA and points allowed. After two three-and-outs, Fields led the Steelers on a 13-play, 70-yard scoring drive that culminated with his first rushing score as a Steeler. Fields also had terrific ball placement and decision-making throughout the game. He put a ball right on the money to Pat Freiermuth over the middle for what should have been a completion, but it was dropped. Luckily, though, he made a tight-window throw again later in the game to Calvin Austin over the middle, who took it 55 yards for the game-sealing score. Overall, Fields went 25-of-32 for 245 yards and two total scores with an interception that came on a batted ball.

He has won seven of his last nine starts as a starter and has led the Steelers to a 3-0 record to open the year. Not only that, though, he elevated a lackluster group around him today. The Steelers lost Van Jefferson to an eye injury and were down to just three receivers. Fields found guys like Scotty Miller for two catches, including a 20-yard pass that set up the Fields rushing score to tie the game at seven. He connected with Cordarrelle Patterson three times and gave Calvin Austin the best game of his career. But that didn’t take away from George Pickens (five catches, 57 yards) or Freiermuth (four catches, 33 yards). He spread the ball around despite not having many targets to distribute to, as eight different Steelers had catches today.

If there were any questions left, they’ve been answered - Fields is the guy going forward.

Now, let’s talk about this defense - what a second half adjustment. The Chargers moved the ball consistently on the Steelers in the first half. They had a touchdown drive of just five plays where they marched down the field and scored on a 27 yard touchdown pass from Justin Herbert to Quentin Johnston, and a 12-play, 60 yard drive that ended in a field goal. However, the Steelers clamped down in the second half, allowing -5 yards of offense. Yes, you and I had more yards than the Chargers in the second half.

We’ll talk about individual performances more in Varisty & JV tomorrow, but Nick Herbig deserves a standing ovation. I said coming into this season that he was better than Alex Highsmith, and he continues to show that with two sacks, one of which was a strip sack. And of course, the best player in football, T.J. Watt recorded the first sack on rookie sensation Joe Alt. This defense clamped down in the second half and showed that they are indeed the best defense in football.

While it hasn’t been gorgeous through three games, we saw the offense come alive today against their toughest test yet, and we saw a quarterback rise to the occasion and have his best game against that defense. The Steelers aren’t just a plucky wild card team - this is a team with a legit quarterback that can make noise in the playoffs.

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