Fields Reveals Culture Differences Between Steelers, Bears
The Pittsburgh Steelers are yet to designate an official starter under center for Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons. Veteran quarterback Russell Wilson seems to have the lead over the young Justin Fields and is widely considered the favorite to start.
Spring practices didn’t help Fields out.
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Reports of Fields struggling through camp don’t need to be taken as indicative of anything but his chances of overtaking Wilson. He could still see playing time, he may improve upon his flashes with the Chicago Bears. But for now, his impact on the offense is theoretical.
With that said, Fields is doing himself a favor by saying all the right things in his new home.
On Wednesday, Pittsburgh released a video with Fields’ recent comments regarding the Steelers’ culture compared to what he experienced with the Bears.
“Me being in two different places now, I realize you don’t get this culture everywhere,” Fields said. “I think Chicago, they’re kind of changing the narrative now, but this has been the culture there for so many years. You can see it, just the way that we attack each and every day. Coach (Mike Tomlin), he stays on us about it, so I think just having that, reiterating that each and every day, that keeps guys on their toes.
“Guys are ready to compete each and every day.”
Tomlin’s culture, following the footsteps of icons before him, is a widely-praised aspect of Steelers football that has likely played into raising the team’s floor, even with suboptimal quarterback play.
Fields is also right in that the narrative is changing in the Windy City. Perhaps winning does that on its own, and the expectations that come with mega-prospect Caleb Williams has the football world assuming better days are ahead. But Williams is also better set up for success than Fields ever was in Chicago.
Offensive coordinator Shane Waldron is one of the brightest minds in football. Pairing receiver DJ Moore with veteran target Keenan Allen and elite prospect Rome Odunze only adds to the excitement. A lesser man might feel jealous.
However, Fields has taken his trade in stride, adamant about how badly he wants to be in Pittsburgh and heaping praise on his peers. From receivers George Pickens and Calvin Austin III to the coaching staff, Fields has done everything in his power to put the focus on his play, and not any sideshow that comes with playing quarterback.
He’ll have the rest of the summer to prove that his on-field talent is as worthy of starting as his leadership skills.