Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that the team is preparing Justin Fields to start Sunday in Denver, and there are plenty of folks in the building excited to see how Fields builds on last week’s game against Atlanta because progress was there.
A couple of things affected how the coaches approached the game. First, there was a need to protect an offensive line group that was breaking in two new starters and a third, right tackle Broderick Jones, who’s still, experience-wise, a rookie. Accordingly, the Steelers ran the ball 41 times. Second, there was a game-plan element, and directive, to stay away from throwing into the middle of the field where Falcons star safety Jessie Bates III roams.
Fields was a little skittish on his first drive, but settled in from there, playing an efficient game, which, with Pittsburgh’s defense, was all the Steelers really needed. He also played good situational football at the end of the half and at the end of the game, helping put away an 18–10 road win in his hometown.
Bottom line: Pittsburgh’s comfortable with Fields starting. So whenever Russell Wilson does return from the calf injury, he’ll have to play well.
