Is Justin Fields the Key to Pittsburgh’s AFC Dominance?

• Efficiency Over Flash: Justin Fields has dramatically reduced his time to throw and aggression, opting for quick reads that have led to career highs in offensive success and EPA per dropback.
• Surgical Precision: Fields displayed his evolved playstyle against the Chargers, hitting key receivers in stride and executing perfectly timed throws under pressure, contributing to the Steelers’ third consecutive win.
• Steelers’ Playoff Push: While Fields’ new approach lacks explosive plays, it’s helping the Steelers methodically beat teams they should, setting them up for a promising playoff run.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have surprised many this season, with Justin Fields leading them to the top seed in the AFC. According to NFL analyst Theo Ash, Fields has undergone a significant transformation since joining the Steelers. Once known for holding the ball too long and being overly aggressive, Fields now plays a faster, more controlled game, reducing his time to throw and adopting a “first down to check down” mentality.

This new style, while less explosive, has improved his efficiency, resulting in career-highs in offensive success rates and Expected Points Added (EPA) per dropback. Despite being less aggressive, this shift has significantly reduced the number of sacks he takes, a chronic issue in previous years.

One prime example of this evolution came against the Chargers, where Fields efficiently read defenses, hit key players like Calvin Austin and George Pickens in stride, and helped the Steelers secure their third consecutive win. Though some may find Fields’ new approach less flashy, it has proven effective, keeping the Steelers’ offense humming and making them playoff contenders.

The Steelers’ formula—solid defense, careful offensive execution, and Fields’ newfound patience—might not make them the most dangerous team, but it could certainly be enough to get them into the playoffs and possibly pull off some upsets. Ash believes this tactical shift is a promising sign for the Steelers as the season unfolds.