JUST IN : Steelers Make Surprising QB Decision Ahead of Playoff Game Against Ravens
The Pittsburgh Steelers will face the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday to kick off the NFL wild-card round. Pittsburgh hopes to pull off an upset against Baltimore, despite ending the regular season with a four-game losing streak. The offense has had its struggles, with quarterback Russell Wilson putting up only 698 passing yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions, while completing 61.7% of his passes during that stretch. With the Ravens coming into the game in strong form, the Steelers’ coaching staff may need to get creative to spark the offense. Reports suggest that Pittsburgh could use backup quarterback Justin Fields in certain situations against Baltimore. According to Ian Rapoport of The NFL Network, the Steelers have prepared specific plays for Fields, who is known for his athleticism and ability to break through defenses with his legs.
Fields started six games for the Steelers while Wilson recovered from a calf injury sustained during training camp, with Pittsburgh posting a 4-2 record in those contests. Over the course of the season, Fields appeared in 10 games for the Steelers. Integrating Fields into the lineup could prove beneficial for Pittsburgh, given his strong performances in limited action and his ability to challenge opposing defenses with his mobility. Fields finished the regular season with 1,106 passing yards, 285 rushing yards, 10 total touchdowns, and just one interception (a career low), while maintaining a 65.8% completion rate (a career high). Wilson is expected to start on Saturday and will likely handle the majority of snaps, but Fields could be brought in for specific packages. Given Fields’ athleticism, Pittsburgh might get creative, using him as a wide receiver or running back in certain plays. The outcome of this strategy won’t be clear until the game begins at 8 P.M. EST on Prime Video. This will be the third meeting between the Steelers and Ravens this season, with Pittsburgh winning the first matchup 18-16 in Week 11, while Baltimore avenged the loss with a 34-17 win in Week 16.
