Steelers LB on QB Justin Fields: ‘This guy is a problem’

That allowed fellow quarterback Justin Fields to take the most snaps with the first-team offense, and it’s safe to say Pittsburgh’s defense had its hands full with the No. 1 overall pick. 11 in 2021.

After another good showing from Fields on Wednesday, which included another long run that went untouched, veteran linebacker Elandon Roberts noted how difficult it is to cover Fields.

“That’s good,” Roberts said. “Outside the pocket, this guy’s a problem. Inside the pocket, he’s a problem. … He’s the type of guy that’s always going to keep your eyes on you.”

Fields’ dual-threat ability is the exact reason the Steelers traded for him earlier this offseason.

Over the past two years, the 25-year-old has thrown for 4,804 yards and 33 touchdowns while rushing for 1,800 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Fields still needs to beat out Wilson, who is in pole position to be Pittsburgh’s starter, but whether or not that happens, he still helps the defense prepare for a tough year from opposing quarterbacks.

“It helps us a lot,” added Roberts. “You’ve got Lamar (Jackson), Deshaun (Watson) can still run … We’re playing Jalen Hurts this year. We’ve got Dak Prescott … It sets us up for that element.”

Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin shares the same notion.

“When he breaks the pocket, he’s dangerous and can turn a bad game into a really good game very quickly,” Austin said. “It’s a really good job for us because we’re going to meet those kind of defenders.”

Only the Steelers coaches know where Fields stands in the quarterback competition, but the better and more consistent he plays in practice while Wilson is limited, the stronger his case will be for QB1.

All quotes have been obtained directly unless otherwise noted.