The Pittsburgh Steelers made some massive moves to their quarterback room in the 2024 offseason, signing veteran Russell Wilson and trading for Justin Fields. Wilson was named the starter, but a calf injury forced him to miss the first six weeks of the season. Fields stepped up in his absence, leading the team to a solid 4-2 record and accounting for 10 total touchdowns, proving he could effectively command the offense. Still, as Wilson recovered, Head Coach Mike Tomlin chose to reinstate him as the starter, hoping his experience could guide the Steelers through the season's tougher stretches.
Since his return, Wilson has shown strong form, leading the offense with confidence and efficiency, giving fans little reason to doubt Tomlin's decision to restore him as QB1. Wilson’s performance in his first two games back has been impressive, and he appears determined to keep hold of the starting role. However, the excitement surrounding Fields' dynamic playmaking has left many Steelers fans eager to see special run packages designed for him, especially after he showcased his versatility earlier in the season.
Tomlin has hinted at incorporating Fields in specialized packages to leverage his athleticism, yet these plays have yet to materialize in games. Steelers insider Gerry Dulac offered some insight on Wednesday, suggesting Tomlin may not be telling the full truth about Fields being used in special run packages.
"I think that's still to be determined," Dulac said. "Mike Tomlin will continue to say that's a possibility because he wants the other team to think it is. But he has never been a fan of pulling his starting quarterback from the game to use another one. So we'll see."
Dulac is highly tapped into what’s happening around the Steelers, often providing accurate insights. In this case, however, his perspective seems to draw more from his personal experience than direct information from team sources.
It’s an intriguing angle—when you have a quarterback as dangerous as Fields with his speed and agility, the idea of creating run packages just for him is compelling. Wilson, once known for his dual-threat ability, is no longer as mobile at 35, which only heightens the potential excitement of utilizing Fields’ legs.
The appeal of incorporating Fields’ athleticism is hard to ignore. He’s proven to be one of the most explosive quarterbacks on the ground, and his rushing ability could add a unique layer to the Steelers’ offense. While Wilson’s return has undeniably improved the passing game, there are moments when fans find themselves missing the edge Fields’ mobility could bring. His ability to turn broken plays into big gains with his legs adds a dynamic that’s hard to replicate.
For now, Steelers fans remain hopeful that Tomlin’s hinted packages for Fields will come into play. The balance between Wilson’s experience and Fields’ athleticism presents an exciting possibility, and if managed right, could create a well-rounded and unpredictable offense.
Steelers Could Really Confuse Defenses With Justin Fields
The Steelers may have the chance to get the best of both worlds by sneaking Fields in for special run plays. With Fields on the field, they could keep defenses guessing, setting up scenarios where defenses load the box expecting a run, only for Fields to catch them off guard with a pass. It’s a risky strategy, and one Dulac has noted that Tomlin historically hasn’t favored. But with Fields' dual-threat capabilities, the potential upside is tantalizing.
Throughout the 2024 season, Tomlin has faced tough decisions at quarterback, managing them with impressive finesse. Having two talented quarterbacks is a good problem, but Tomlin’s ability to balance the situation has kept the team steady amid quarterback uncertainty. While he’s hinted at special packages for Fields, it’s unclear if they’ll actually come to fruition, given Tomlin’s conservative history with using two quarterbacks.
Still, Steeler Nation remains eager to see if Tomlin and Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith will unveil any unique schemes for Fields. For now, fans will keep watching closely, hoping to see flashes of Fields’ athleticism in creative plays that could give the offense a dynamic edge.
This article first appeared on SteelerNation.com and was syndicated with permission.
