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Has Justin Fields done enough to keep his starting spot with the Pittsburgh Steelers once Russell Wilson is healthy again?
The 25-year-old put in an outstanding performance on Sunday, completing 25 of 32 passes for 245 yards, one touchdown, one interception and two sacks – plus one point on the ground – in his team’s 20-10 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers.
And so, despite a season average of just 17 points per game, the Steelers are now 3-0 behind Fields, who may not have spectacular numbers but has managed the offense well.
Sunday was arguably his best contest of the season so far, and his performance had experts and fans alike calling for him to be the starting quarterback in the future:
Michael Grünberg @Espgreeny
I’m so happy for Justin Fields.
Take total control.
And it will get much better. #Steelers
It was a tougher afternoon for the Chargers and their star quarterback Justin Herbert, who left the game in the second half after Worsening of an ankle injuryHe was replaced by Taylor Heinicke, who completed both of his pass attempts for 24 yards but suffered three sacks.
The loss dropped the Chargers’ season record to 2-1.
But the main story has been Fields, who has made a compelling case that he deserves to remain in the starting lineup going forward. Head coach Mike Tomlin hasn’t revealed much about which direction he’s leaning. He said the team would consider its options once Wilson is eligible to play, but it could be difficult to move a player off the roster who has led his team to an undefeated record.
Yes, Pittsburgh’s defense has played a big role in that success, and the schedule has produced three teams that all missed the postseason last year. There are other factors to consider when evaluating Pittsburgh’s success thus far.
But Fields has undoubtedly been a positive development. The Steelers may owe it to him to keep him in the starting lineup at this point.
