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Come Fan with UsWednesday, August 5, 2026

Justin Fields doesn’t believe he played well enough to keep Steelers starting job

The QB was candid about what’s gone right (and wrong) since taking over.

James Dator
James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.

We’ve become conditioned to accept that athletes will be dripping with bravado when it comes to their role on a team, but Justin Fields was brutally honest when asked about whether he should keep starting for the Steelers over Russell Wilson.

Fields went on to say that there’s a lot he could get better at as a player, which while true — is also kind of selling himself short. The Steelers have been far from a dominant offense this season, and very little of that is really attributable to Justin Fields.

Pittsburgh’s offense line has largely been spotty this season, which has run in tandem with Najee Harris’ inconsistent running. The team lacks weapons at wide receiver outside of George Pickens, and that’s all capped off with an Arthur Smith offense that has failed to design any plays around Fields’ talents while Wilson has been injured.

So yes, there are absolutely things that Justin Fields could have done better, but it’s a bit unfair to make it seem as if he’s been a huge detriment to the organization. Kudos to Fields for being a young QB who realizes there’s work to be done — however, I’m not sure Russ will come in and immediately have more success.

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