Justin Fields’ Passing Chart From First Pittsburgh Game Defies Description
The Chicago Bears traded Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers this off-season. Both sides needed a fresh start. Fields wanted to go to a team with stability, and Pittsburgh made the most sense. However, it looked like he wouldn’t even get a chance to play with Russell Wilson already there. The seven-time Pro Bowler got the starting job and was named team captain. However, a late twist arrived when a persistent calf problem knocked him out of the lineup, paving the way for Fields to start against Atlanta.
Pittsburgh proceeded to win the game 18-10. Bears fans can use their imaginations to wonder how it went. Fields had exactly the same type of game he became famous for in Chicago: 156 yards passing, 57 yards rushing, zero touchdowns. However, the best part came when his passing chart surfaced on Next Gen Stats. It is something to behold.
He didn’t attack the middle of the field once. Not once in four entire quarters. Some may think such a thing has never happened before. Bears fans would laugh at them, having seen it from Fields already in Chicago.
Justin Fields hasn’t changed.
He might be wearing a new uniform, but he’s still the same quarterback. Fields never liked throwing over the middle. That is likely because he’s thrown 19 of his 30 career interceptions in that area. His eyes have never been good at navigating the chaos that happens there. He often loses track of defenders, allowing them to undercut throws. Apparently he decided rather than taking his chances, it would be better to just avoid that entire third of the field altogether.
It worked out this time. Pittsburgh did enough on offense, along with a tremendous defensive effort, to get a tough road win. Justin Fields loves playing against the Falcons, which is no surprise since it’s his hometown team. It appears Wilson could be out next week as well. That means Fields may have a chance to further solidify his spot as the starter. The Bears wouldn’t be sad about that. If he ends up playing 51% of the offensive snaps this year, they receive a 4th round pick from Pittsburgh.