Incredible Statistics Demonstrate Why the Steelers Should Start Justin Fields Against the Ravens in the Wild Card Game
As the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare for their Wild Card showdown against the Baltimore Ravens, a critical question looms large for head coach Mike Tomlin: who should start at quarterback? While veteran signal-caller Kenny Pickett has been the team’s primary starter this season, recent statistics, along with the particular challenges presented by the Ravens’ defense, suggest that the Steelers should consider giving Justin Fields a shot under center in the Wild Card game.
Fields, the Chicago Bears’ quarterback acquired in a midseason trade, has shown flashes of brilliance in limited action for the Steelers. With the Ravens’ aggressive defensive schemes, particularly their ability to shut down passing games and force turnovers, it may be in Pittsburgh’s best interest to utilize Fields’ unique skill set to give them the best chance at a playoff victory. Let’s take a deeper dive into the statistics and factors that make Fields a potential game-changer for the Steelers against the Ravens in the postseason.
1. Fields’ Dual-Threat Ability: A Weapon Against the Ravens’ Aggressive Defense
One of the most impressive aspects of Justin Fields’ game is his ability to stretch defenses with both his arm and his legs. This dual-threat capability has been a key reason for his rise in the NFL, making him one of the most dynamic young quarterbacks in the league. Against a team like the Ravens, who thrive on creating pressure and stuffing the run game, Fields’ ability to escape the pocket and make plays with his legs could prove invaluable.
The Ravens’ defense is designed to disrupt passing attacks with aggressive blitzes and tight coverage. However, they have been vulnerable to quarterbacks who can evade pressure and extend plays, especially those who can run the ball effectively. Fields, with his exceptional speed and elusiveness, has the ability to buy time for his receivers and potentially exploit gaps in the defense. Over the last two seasons, Fields has rushed for over 1,200 yards and 9 touchdowns, showcasing a natural ability to make plays with his legs in high-pressure situations.
Additionally, Fields’ rushing ability opens up the possibility of design runs, read-options, and bootlegs, all of which can neutralize Baltimore’s pass-rushing prowess. This could force the Ravens to adjust their defense, potentially creating favorable passing opportunities for Fields down the field. Considering that Baltimore allowed over 200 rushing yards to dual-threat quarterbacks in the regular season, Fields’ legs could become a critical factor in exploiting this weakness.
2. Comparing Fields’ Stats with Pickett’s Under Pressure
While Kenny Pickett has shown moments of growth as the Steelers’ starter, especially in clutch situations, there are some significant discrepancies between Pickett’s performance and Fields’ when facing pressure. The Ravens are known for their ability to bring intense pressure, and their defense thrives on forcing turnovers. Fields, however, has been more adept at handling pressure and making plays on the move than Pickett.
Fields’ ability to move the pocket, whether through design runs or scrambling, has resulted in better production when facing pressure. According to Next Gen Stats, Fields ranks in the top 10 for quarterback rushing yards under pressure, with over 400 yards gained while being forced to scramble in the 2024 season alone. This is a stark contrast to Pickett, who has struggled in similar situations, often being sacked or forced into mistakes when pressured. Fields, when flushed from the pocket, is more likely to create positive plays than Pickett, who has a lower passer rating when under duress.
Furthermore, when under pressure, Fields’ ability to make quick decisions and locate open receivers downfield is a huge advantage. While Pickett has shown progress in reading defenses, his decision-making still lags behind Fields’ ability to quickly process the field while under duress. Fields’ advanced understanding of pressure situations, combined with his mobility, makes him a safer option against a team like Baltimore, which thrives on causing chaos in the backfield.
3. Steelers’ Offensive Line Play and Its Impact on Pickett
While it is no secret that the Steelers’ offensive line has been one of the league’s weakest units this season, Fields has shown the ability to overcome such challenges in ways that Pickett has not. The Steelers’ offensive line has struggled with both pass protection and opening lanes for the running game, forcing Pickett to work harder in the pocket and rely on quick passes. Unfortunately, Pickett’s limitations in terms of mobility have compounded this issue, making it harder for him to recover when the pocket collapses.
In contrast, Fields has shown the ability to make something out of nothing. With his speed and ability to read defenses, Fields is better equipped to evade the rush and keep plays alive. While no quarterback is immune to poor offensive line play, Fields’ mobility provides him with a greater chance to escape pressure and make positive plays. Against a Ravens defense that ranks in the top 5 for sacks per game, the ability to avoid pressure and extend the play is crucial for any quarterback hoping to succeed.
Fields’ ability to keep his eyes downfield while moving out of the pocket is another area where he excels. This could be especially useful against Baltimore’s defense, which often leaves open spots in coverage while sending multiple defenders after the quarterback. Fields’ playmaking ability could expose these gaps and result in big plays downfield, giving the Steelers’ offense a chance to score despite the offensive line’s struggles.
4. Fields’ Clutch Play and Ability to Perform in High-Stakes Situations
In high-stakes games, one of the most important qualities for a quarterback is the ability to perform under pressure. Justin Fields has already demonstrated his ability to perform in clutch situations, particularly in games where his team needs a comeback or a game-winning drive. Fields’ ability to stay calm and composed under pressure is a trait that could benefit the Steelers in the Wild Card game, especially when facing a talented but unpredictable team like the Ravens.
While Pickett has shown some clutch moments, including leading the Steelers to a series of dramatic wins this season, Fields’ ability to consistently put together drives in the most difficult situations makes him a safer option in the postseason. Fields has led several game-winning drives for the Bears in his short career, including two this season. His poise and confidence in the pocket have been critical factors in those moments, suggesting that he is capable of thriving in the intense atmosphere of a playoff game.
5. Statistical Edge: Fields vs. Ravens Defense
The Ravens’ defense has been known for its ability to limit quarterbacks who are less mobile and struggle to move in and out of the pocket. Fields, however, has a unique ability to break the mold. Against the Ravens, Fields’ skill set aligns perfectly with what has worked well against Baltimore’s defense. In his limited action this season, Fields has completed 65% of his passes against top-tier defenses, including a 300-yard performance against the Detroit Lions, a team with a defense similar in aggressiveness to the Ravens.
While the Ravens’ defense has been strong against the pass, ranking 6th in the league in passing yards allowed per game, they have shown weaknesses when defending against dynamic quarterbacks. Fields’ ability to throw on the run and extend plays makes him an ideal candidate to exploit the Ravens’ secondary. He also has the ability to read zone coverages and pick apart Baltimore’s aggressive pass rush, as evidenced by his strong performance against blitz-heavy defenses this season.
