Pittsburgh fans are likely tempering their expectations for 2024, especially amid the quarterback battle between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields in Steelers training camp. A reasonable fan can probably see how both could (or could not) succeed this coming season. Wilson’s veteran leadership, victory in Super Bowl XLVIII, and Fields’ electrifying potential as a dual-threat bring a lot to the table.

This makes it all the more pleasing to hear Fields’ recent quote from the Steelers’ training camp when he spoke about his place on the offensive line: “You know, I think I feel comfortable on the offensive line. It’s just because we get so many reps. I don’t think I’ve practiced that many times on consecutive days. It’s hard, but it’s good work,” according to College2pro.com.

It’s not that Fields was terrible in Chicago in 2023. In 13 games, he threw for 2,562 yards, 16 TDs, and 9 INTs. And then add 657 rushing yards and four touchdowns. There’s a lot of potential there. As a starter, he finished with a 5-8 record. Not bad for a team with limited offensive power, right?

This is how Justin Fields can secure a regular spot in the Steelers’ training camp

To the franchise’s credit, it’s been so aggressive in pursuing the win. The Steelers were quick to part ways with Kenny Pickett. They appear to be frontrunners in their attempts to sign 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk. And they’ve brought in Wilson and Fields.

Although Wilson took some evasive action early in his career, he is nothing like Fields. The former Bears signal-caller ran a 4.45-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. For a team with a massive two-headed monster coming out of the backfield, Fields would make defensive coordinators’ jobs very difficult in the red zone.

The key to the Steelers’ offense lies in the rest of their offense. Fields has a surprisingly strong arm, but is anyone on the team built to pass deep? Rookie WR Roman Wilson, a third-round pick out of Michigan, is built more for the short-to-intermediate game. George Pickens has all the potential in the world, but doesn’t quite have the straight-line speed to overwhelm defenses.

Ultimately, Fields needs to continue to take reps and become more confident with his reads in Steelers training camp. He needs to get back to the basics, which include protecting the football and getting first downs. The Steelers want to control the clock with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, find creative ways to get Cordarrelle Patterson out in the open, and use Fields (or Wilson) in 2nd & medium and 3rd & short situations.

Matt is the Associate Editor for NFL and College Football at ClutchPoints. He has covered sports for over 12 years at sites like Sports Illustrated, The Game Day and countless others. He was born and raised in California, graduated from Virginia Tech and is a diehard Hokies fan who now lives in Southern Maryland.