How Justin Fields Has Stood Out To Steelers Coordinator

Things didn’t go according to plan to start the season for the Pittsburgh Steelers, but they are in a good spot with a 2-0 start.

Russell Wilson suffered a calf injury ahead of Pittsburgh’s season opener, but Justin Fields filled in and earned road wins over the Atlanta Falcons and Denver Broncos.

The offense hasn’t lit it up with Fields under center, but it’s up to the standards of head coach Mike Tomlin and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.

“He’s playing very smart football situationally, understanding the plan, understanding the attack and what we’re trying to accomplish,” Smith told reporters Thursday, per ESPN’s Brooke Pryor. “And what’s been encouraging to me is his pocket presence. … He’s been standing in there when the pocket’s gotten dirty. When they brought heat I thought he’s made some big time throws down the field.”

Smith admitted he hopes there will come a time to open up the offense, but the results spoke for themselves with Pittsburgh’s 31 combined points in two games.

Fields will start again in Week 3 against the Los Angeles Charters, who also started the season 2-0. It could be an opportunity for the former Chicago Bears quarterback to further distance himself as the starter for the Steelers.