The Pittsburgh Steelers acquired Justin Fields to be their backup quarterback, but Chicago’s former first-round pick could see the field in more unique ways. Fields entered the NFL as one of the most athletic quarterbacks in the game with a strong, powerful arm that could make any throw. While his in-game accuracy hasn’t perfectly translated to the NFL level, his athleticism has. Since joining the professional ranks, Fields has averaged an impressive 6.2 yards per attempt and led the league in yards per carry in 2022 (7.1).
Yards per carry is a flawed metric, as it doesn’t account for blocking quality or defensive formations. However, when you turn on the film, you can tell that Fields’ rushing ability is elite. The Ohio State product is a unique athlete and routinely blows past defenders who know the run is coming but are incapable of stopping it. Even though Russell Wilson is firmly entrenched as the Steelers starting quarterback, Justin Fields could see some time on the field – but as a kickoff returner.
#Steelers RB Jaylen Warren says their special teams coordinator discussed the possibility of having Justin Fields return kicks under the new kickoff rules.
(via @NotJustFootball)pic.twitter.com/N4WGMwETxV
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) May 2, 2024
Steelers Could Get Creative In Utilizing Justin Fields
It’s important to note that, in the clip above, Jaylen Warren does not say that Justin Fields will be the Steelers kick returner next year – just that it’s on the table. The reason this is possible in the first place is because of the new kickoff rules. For those unaware, kickoffs are going to look a little different in 2024. While the kicker will still stand at his 35-yard line, the rest of the coverage team will start on the opposing 40-yard line. The receiving team, meanwhile, will have one player back to return the kick while the other team sets up a “setup zone” between the 35- and 30-yard lines. While there are some small differences, this change essentially copies the XFL’s rule.
First kick return touchdown in the XFL 🔥 pic.twitter.com/attXlBo5Rh
— Athlete Swag (@AthleteSwag) February 23, 2020
While the idea of having Justin Fields return kicks sounds insane on the surface, one can understand why the Steelers would be willing to try this. The new rule makes kickoff returns look more like a scramble drill on a broken play, and Fields thrives on that environment. While the hits won’t be quite as hard, one must wonder if the Steelers would be willing to put Fields in harm’s way. The quarterback is the most important position in football, and Fields could keep the ship afloat if Russell Wilson goes down. The same cannot be said of Kyle Allen and John Rhys Plumlee, so Pittsburgh should be cautious about having Fields take unnecessary hits.
Ultimately, the best course of action will probably involve Cordarrelle Patterson. While the four-time All-Pro has lost a step, he’s still one of the better returners in the game and could thrive under these new rules. While the idea is fun, you shouldn’t count on Justin Fields returning kicks for the Steelers.
Main Photo: Nathan Ray Seebeck – USA Today Sports
