The Pittsburgh Steelers struggle to win when they play the Cleveland Browns on the road, and those struggles continued on Thursday night as Pittsburgh fell by a score of 24-19. The Steelers have still had a strong season, but the loss is certainly disappointing as Pittsburgh was looking to build on its five game win streak. Nothing seemed to go right for the Black and Gold during the game, as their fourth quarter heroics came up short after completing a 12-point comeback.
The offense got off to a slow start once again in Cleveland. The unit was only able to score three points during the first half, and the group didn’t find the end zone until the fourth quarter. One player that sparked the offense was Justin Fields, who came into the game in place of Russell Wilson multiple times throughout the contest.
Wilson spoke to the media following the loss, and the quarterback was asked about whether he anticipates when Fields will come into the game and if it affects his rhythm. The quarterback refused to address it.
“Anticipation of it, I don’t know when it’s going to happen,” Wilson said. “We have different tags and everything else, I don’t necessarily know when it’s going to happen, but you know, whenever it does, all I want us to do is win. You know, that’s all I care about, whatever it takes for us to win. Obviously when Justin gets in there, I’m rooting for him to do great and make a big play or whatever it may be. When I go back in, it’s vice versa, we’re always rooting for each other. Based on when it’s going to happen, I don’t necessarily know, to answer your question.”
Both Wilson and Fields made an impact on the game, but a two-quarterback system rarely works in the NFL. The concept is good in theory, since Fields is one of the best runners of the football at the position, but it is tough for the young quarterback to stay warm on the sidelines. As Wilson explained, neither player has any clue when it is going to happen. The opportunity arises in certain situations that can’t be predicted.
The two-quarterback system may also be tough on Wilson. He is the starting quarterback and he plays the bulk of the snaps, so Fields coming in can certainly throw him off. This is the part of the question from the media that Wilson refused to acknowledge, but the two-quarterback system can’t be easy on him either.
Neither player will admit the difficulties that come with playing in this manner, as they both have publicly stated that they love rooting for one another and working together. However, the system certainly has its downfalls. Fields provided a spark for the offense, and the poor conditions certainly called for his legs and mobility, but the coaching staff also needs to allow Wilson to get into a rhythm as a passer and the starting quarterback.
Steelers’ Justin Fields Showed Flashes Against The Cleveland Browns
Fields entered the game on a few occasions. The quarterback failed to pick up a first down on a fourth down and was tackled for a loss, but he did provide a play that sparked the offense in the second half. Fields ran the ball for 30 yards on what was the Steelers’ first touchdown drive of the game, as he finished the drive off by handing the ball to Jaylen Warren for a score.
This system definitely has potential, but the coaching staff needs to be careful of when they are implementing it. Wilson needs to have already figured the defense out as a passer before tossing Fields into the game, and the Steelers should also allow Fields to throw the ball some, like they did in Cleveland. This way, the offense isn’t so one-dimensional when Fields trots out on the gridiron.