Let’s face it — the NFL is tougher than we make it. It’s easy to expect our favorite gridiron stars to perform miracles while we sit comfortably on the couch, shouting at the TV. That’s what being a fan is all about. We expect greatness, we crave victories, and we demand consistency from our players. But for some, success in this league doesn’t come easy. Just ask former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields.
His stint under Mike Tomlin started with promise. In 2024, Fields led the Steelers to a 4-2 start, and for a brief moment, it felt like Pittsburgh had found a new chapter at quarterback. He was exciting, athletic, and dynamic — everything fans hoped for.
But just as quickly as his rise began, it was over. Arthur Smith and his staff decided to make a midseason switch, inserting veteran Russell Wilson into the starting lineup.
That decision ended Fields’ time in Pittsburgh, and ever since, he’s been looking for a true home.
When the New York Jets hired rookie head coach Aaron Glenn this past offseason, Fields saw it as an opportunity for a fresh start. On paper, it made sense. A new staff, a clean slate, and an organization desperate for stability at quarterback. But the NFL is a results-driven business, and so far, the results have been hard to come by.
The Jets are the only winless team in the league heading into Week 6. And yet, surprisingly, it’s hard to place the blame on Fields. Through four games (he missed a start due to injury), he’s thrown for 754 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions, ranking first in the NFL in turnover avoidance. Add in his 204 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the ground, and you’ve got a dual-threat quarterback still capable of making plays.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are lucky they avoided a Justin Fields nightmare
So, why isn’t Justin Fields winning?
In truth, Fields isn’t playing poorly — he’s playing safe. His conservative approach has minimized mistakes but also capped offensive production. Those extra seconds of hesitation, that one too many reads, or a late release — they add up. In a league where windows close in milliseconds, every extra beat matters.
It’s also not just on Fields. The Jets’ offensive line has been shaky, and their receiving corps hasn’t helped much either. When the supporting cast struggles to execute, it’s nearly impossible for any quarterback — let alone one still finding his rhythm — to succeed.
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That’s been the story of Justin Fields’ career. Despite flashes of brilliance, he’s never been in the right situation at the right time. His record as a starter — 14-34 — tells that story plainly. He’s progressed, no question about it. His mechanics are cleaner, his decision-making is sharper, and his leadership continues to grow. But is it enough to make him a franchise quarterback on a winning team?
That answer remains uncertain.
For the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Fields experiment is long behind them. They’ve moved forward with stability and veteran presence under center in Aaron Rodgers. But as for Justin Fields, the journey continues — another year, another fresh start, and another reminder that sometimes talent alone isn’t enough.
The NFL doesn’t just test your arm or your legs — it tests your patience, your adaptability, and your resilience. And for Justin Fields, that test is still ongoing.