While more headlines gravitated toward Aaron Rodgers’ chance at revenge against the New York Jets, it was Justin Fields who exacted his measure of vengeance against the Steelers in bold fashion.
During the second half, CBS play-by-play commentator Ian Eagle said Fields told him in their production meetings that the ex-Steelers QB knew his former team better than Pittsburgh knew him and the new-look Jets. Fields proved himself right with his performance in the season opener.
While Fields didn’t have the last laugh, falling to Pittsburgh in a tight contest throughout, he certainly made everyone in Pittsburgh think twice about his departure.
Justin Fields made the Pittsburgh Steelers pay for letting him walk
Despite showing poor accuracy during his preseason outings, Fields began the game on a heater, leading the Jets on four consecutive scoring drives, including a 33-yard touchdown pass to Garrett Wilson in the first quarter.
Fields was certainly supported by the Jets' rushing attack, which averaged 4.7 yards per carry, finishing with 182 yards on the ground. Nothing about the Jets' offensive game plan should have come as a surprise to the Steelers’ defense, which opened the season with a flat performance.
The potent rushing attack wasn’t without assistance from Fields, who picked up 48 yards on 12 carries, including two scores. Despite the Steelers' familiarity with Fields and usual success against Lamar Jackson, the Pittsburgh defense had few answers for Fields on read-option plays and his scrambling attempts.
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But Fields parlayed the success on the ground into rhythm through the air. Fields was as sharp as he’s ever shown NFL fans he can be, completing 16 of 22 passes for 218 yards.
Fields had the ball last and came up short, but he showed why many Steelers fans would have been happy with him returning to the franchise had the chips fallen that way this past offseason. He may be 0-1 to start his Jets tenure, but if Fields can stack performances like he put up against Pittsburgh, he may very well be on his way to reviving his career in New York.