Steelers must remove the training wheels from Justin Fields' offense

The Steelers churned out another gritty win Sunday despite scoring under 20 points for the second straight week. The offense has shown promise in the deep passing game at times, however, and has played turnover-free football, helping them hang on for a pair of ugly victories.

Justin Fields has been the victim of his teammates and coaches shooting themselves in the foot. Penalties and ultra-conservative second-half gameplans have impeded the offense from proving they're not the same mediocre group from a year ago. Victory aside, the Steelers' new-look offense is capable of much more.

Thanks to the Steelers' sheer defensive dominance, their late-game offensive sputters have not cost them yet. TJ Watt and company forcing five turnovers and a handful of sacks through two games has been a blessing.

Justin Fields is ready to open up the Steelers' playbook

Upon first glance, Justin Fields' passing numbers look pedestrian, averaging roughly 136 yards per game and only one touchdown. The box score does not tell the entire story of Pittsburgh's dynamic quarterback thus far. Boneheaded penalties and a restrained passing attack have held Fields back from more favorable numbers and splash plays.

Fields had four big-time plays negated by penalties Sunday that robbed him of at least 121 passing yards and a touchdown. The first came midway through the second quarter when Fields rolled right and unleashed a 51-yard beauty to George Pickens, ultimately negated thanks to a Broderick Jones holding penalty.

The end of the first half saw the Steelers drive down into the red zone and finish off the drive with what would have been a six-yard touchdown to George Pickens. Unfortunately for Pittsburgh, the touchdown was called back by a Van Jefferson offensive pass interference in the endzone, forcing them to settle for a field goal.

Two other deep passes from Fields drew defensive pass interference penalties by the Broncos. The former Chicago Bear showcased precise ball placement on each of these passes, but it won't show up on his stat sheet due to penalties that prevented completions.

Last week's season opener against Atlanta had similar situations for Fields after a well-placed deep ball to George Pickens did not stand due to a questionable offensive pass interference call. Like week two, the Steelers also tucked their tales in the second half of week one, leading to nine points off of three field goals and zero touchdowns.

It is time for Arthur Smith and Mike Tomlin to hand over the keys to the offense to their 25-year-old signal caller. Justin Fields has shown undeniable arm talent and poise when targeting George Pickens down the field.

Letting him settle in for the first two weeks may have been productive for his development, but it is time to let him show whether or not he can be the franchise quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers going forward.

What about Russell Wilson?

Russell Wilson's untimely calf injury has held him out of the Steelers' first two games, providing an extended audition for Justin Fields. While it may be unfair, rolling with the younger quarterback with a higher ceiling may be the right call. Fields has proved he is capable of clean football and has shown flashes of greatness with his legs and arm talent.

Pulling Fields and thrusting Russell Wilson back into the spotlight could be counterproductive to what this offense has already built. Wilson's calf injury has hindered him since training camp, barely giving him a chance to knock off the rust in the preseason. Starting him at this point could set the offense back and reintroduce growing pains that Justin Fields has already worked through.

It may be wise to let Justin Fields continue to develop, allowing the Steelers to see if he can be the future. If his production falls off, Mike Tomlin can call his veteran quarterback off the bench for the rest of the season, and they would at least know what they have in Justin Fields.