FBR: Fields struggling in shorts

[dplank]

I know 10-12 die hard Steelers fans, each and every one of them that I've spoken to about it is adamant that they prefer Fields because they see no future upside by going with Russ. They'd rather see what they have in Fields and draft a guy if he's not it.

We shall see, but a 4th sure would be nice to add to our draft stock next year.

[Rusty Trombagent]

100%. You both HAVE to have Justin starting the majority of the year, and Arthur Smith trying to tailor that offense to his strengths if you have any hope of figuring out what you have.

Starting Russ would be throwing the year away, IMO.

[southdakbearfan]

100%. You both HAVE to have Justin starting the majority of the year, and Arthur Smith trying to tailor that offense to his strengths if you have any hope of figuring out what you have.

Starting Russ would be throwing the year away, IMO.

I know 10-12 die hard Steelers fans, each and every one of them that I've spoken to about it is adamant that they prefer Fields because they see no future upside by going with Russ. They'd rather see what they have in Fields and draft a guy if he's not it.

We shall see, but a 4th sure would be nice to add to our draft stock next year.

But, if you are a coach on the hot seat that needs the playoffs, do you start Russ or fields? Statistically it’s not close comparing Russ and Fields last year.

The Steelers don’t change often, but it’s been a long time since Tomlin has contended.

[dplank]

100%. You both HAVE to have Justin starting the majority of the year, and Arthur Smith trying to tailor that offense to his strengths if you have any hope of figuring out what you have.

Starting Russ would be throwing the year away, IMO.

I know 10-12 die hard Steelers fans, each and every one of them that I've spoken to about it is adamant that they prefer Fields because they see no future upside by going with Russ. They'd rather see what they have in Fields and draft a guy if he's not it.

We shall see, but a 4th sure would be nice to add to our draft stock next year.

But, if you are a coach on the hot seat that needs the playoffs, do you start Russ or fields? Statistically it’s not close comparing Russ and Fields last year.

The Steelers don’t change often, but it’s been a long time since Tomlin has contended.

Statistically, it was much closer than you think comparing them. Russ had 3400 combined yards in 15 games, Fields had 3200 combined yards in 13 games. Russ went 7-8, Fields went 5-8. Russ was much better in TD% at 5.8 vs 4.3 and had the clear advantage in TD/INT. Russ took 45 sacks, Fields took 44 sacks. Russ had a QBR of 50.7, Fields had a QBR of 46.1. "Statistically not close" is just way off here, he was better but not by all that much. Then you layer in that Russ had Sean Payton while Fields had Luke Getsy. Then you layer in who might be a better fit for Arthur Smith, a common name that we threw around here when contemplating keeping Fields and wanting an offense system that suited his style. And of course the massive age gap/thinking about the future should always matter even if you're job is at stake (which, for Tomlin, is it really?).

[RichH55]

Even with cherry picked stats it's not close statistically - that's fun.

And that is noting that R. Wilson hasn't been good.

I do like saying things like Wilson 45 Sacks, Fields 44!~!!! Oh damn - that is close. I wonder if one guy played more and had way more passing attempts? Feels like that might matter in a statistical analysis - welp, guess we will never know

When I was looking at Profootball Reference - there was a number that was interesting to me though - Passing Success %
(Yes, this number also significantly favors Wilson too - but they all kind of do that)

It's A play is a success if the offense gets the following fraction of yards towards the next first down (Denominator is passing attempts + times sacked):

40% on 1st down
60% on 2nd down
100% on 3rd, 4th down

(I have seen others that use 50% and 70%)

Russell was at 43.3 (3rd lowest of his entire career), Fields was at 38.4

Neither number is particularly good mind you - but Fields rate was terrible (behind guys like Kenny Pickett, Sam Howell, and Mac Jones)

The difference between Fields and Wilson there is LITERALLY the same difference on the number as the difference between Wilson and Maholmes (Maholmes was 7th overall on this number)


I also noticed that we used the ESPN QBR one for this - I am hoping thats a step in the right direction for future analysis rather than just if you use Passer Rating (Passer Rating is a TERRIBLE STAT! DONT USE IT!) it just favors Wilson more than QBR does. (both favor him mind you)

[Rusty Trombagent]

Even with cherry picked stats it's not close statistically - that's fun.

And that is noting that R. Wilson hasn't been good.

I do like saying things like Wilson 45 Sacks, Fields 44!~!!! Oh damn - that is close. I wonder if one guy played more and had way more passing attempts? Feels like that might matter in a statistical analysis - welp, guess we will never know

When I was looking at Profootball Reference - there was a number that was interesting to me though - Passing Success %
(Yes, this number also significantly favors Wilson too - but they all kind of do that)

It's A play is a success if the offense gets the following fraction of yards towards the next first down (Denominator is passing attempts + times sacked):

40% on 1st down
60% on 2nd down
100% on 3rd, 4th down

(I have seen others that use 50% and 70%)

Russell was at 43.3 (3rd lowest of his entire career), Fields was at 38.4

Neither number is particularly good mind you - but Fields rate was terrible (behind guys like Kenny Pickett, Sam Howell, and Mac Jones)

The difference between Fields and Wilson there is LITERALLY the same difference on the number as the difference between Wilson and Maholmes (Maholmes was 7th overall on this number)


I also noticed that we used the ESPN QBR one for this - I am hoping thats a step in the right direction for future analysis rather than just if you use Passer Rating (Passer Rating is a TERRIBLE STAT! DONT USE IT!) it just favors Wilson more than QBR does. (both favor him mind you)

Yes, but have you considered that starting Justin is the way funner option? Especially when we just get to enjoy the WOW plays and not fret over the boneheaded stuff?

[RichH55]

Even with cherry picked stats it's not close statistically - that's fun.

And that is noting that R. Wilson hasn't been good.

I do like saying things like Wilson 45 Sacks, Fields 44!~!!! Oh damn - that is close. I wonder if one guy played more and had way more passing attempts? Feels like that might matter in a statistical analysis - welp, guess we will never know

When I was looking at Profootball Reference - there was a number that was interesting to me though - Passing Success %
(Yes, this number also significantly favors Wilson too - but they all kind of do that)

It's A play is a success if the offense gets the following fraction of yards towards the next first down (Denominator is passing attempts + times sacked):

40% on 1st down
60% on 2nd down
100% on 3rd, 4th down

(I have seen others that use 50% and 70%)

Russell was at 43.3 (3rd lowest of his entire career), Fields was at 38.4

Neither number is particularly good mind you - but Fields rate was terrible (behind guys like Kenny Pickett, Sam Howell, and Mac Jones)

The difference between Fields and Wilson there is LITERALLY the same difference on the number as the difference between Wilson and Maholmes (Maholmes was 7th overall on this number)


I also noticed that we used the ESPN QBR one for this - I am hoping thats a step in the right direction for future analysis rather than just if you use Passer Rating (Passer Rating is a TERRIBLE STAT! DONT USE IT!) it just favors Wilson more than QBR does. (both favor him mind you)

Yes, but have you considered that starting Justin is the way funner option? Especially when we just get to enjoy the WOW plays and not fret over the boneheaded stuff?

Oh way fun (and just get enough snaps to get that 4th Rounder)

But every steelers game can be like the Last Shot in Tin Cup

[southdakbearfan]

10 more TDs and 1 less int is huge, even given the 100 attempt difference.

Tomlin doesn’t strike me as the guy that wants his QB to just start backyard adlib football either. The steelers were sort of viable with Kenny Pickett playing QB. It isn’t going to take much to push them up into the hunt.

Fields still has a variable ceiling that can get higher, Russ has a much higher floor, but his ceiling is headed the wrong direction.

Tomlin in a definite hot seat is probably a deciding factor in this was my thought.

[dplank]

10 more TDs and 1 less int is huge, even given the 100 attempt difference.

Tomlin doesn’t strike me as the guy that wants his QB to just start backyard adlib football either. The steelers were sort of viable with Kenny Pickett playing QB. It isn’t going to take much to push them up into the hunt.

Fields still has a variable ceiling that can get higher, Russ has a much higher floor, but his ceiling is headed the wrong direction.

Tomlin in a definite hot seat is probably a deciding factor in this was my thought.

You're just using too many "definite" and "way better" type language for me. I don't see Russ as way better than Fields, he was better but not by all that much. And I don't Tomlin as "definitely" on the hot seat, I don't think he's on a hot seat at all actually. We will know soon. My guess remains that Russ starts the season and is replace fairly early on with Fields - but it's just a guess.

[HurricaneBear]

How's a guy who has never had a losing season in 17 years have a hot seat?

On second thought, heat that bitch up and hope the Steelers are dumb enough to fire him. If that ever happened the Bears should have Tomlin signed before Flus is even told he's fired.

[southdakbearfan]

How's a guy who has never had a losing season in 17 years have a hot seat?

On second thought, heat that bitch up and hope the Steelers are dumb enough to fire him. If that ever happened the Bears should have Tomlin signed before Flus is even told he's fired.

I would agree,just that there are rumblings, but given his contract he probably isn’t really in the hot seat too much.

[dplank]

You appear to be right either way, Tomlin just posted his depth chart and Russ is still on top. And when asked, Tomlin literally said we should take his depth chart seriously lol...

[HisRoyalSweetness]

Russell Wilson (calf) won't play, Justin Fields to get 'a couple of series' in Steelers' preseason opener

Justin Fields will get the first start of the preseason for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Head coach Mike Tomlin announced on Wednesday that Fields will start as Russell Wilson sits out Friday's preseason tussle with the Houston Texans.

Tomlin noted that Fields will play a few series with the starters.

"I'm probably gonna give that 'first unit' -- and him included in that -- a couple of series," he said.
...

Wilson has missed most of training camp while dealing with a calf injury. While he's returned in recent sessions, the issue has opened the door for Fields.

"I just think he comes to compete every day," Tomlin said of Fields. "He's got an awesome, competitive spirit. We've got a competitive environment, and it seems like he's enjoying it. He's doing a really great job of acclimating to it and his teammates and letting his talents show."

Fields' start on Friday gives him another chance in live action to impress the staff. Tomlin added that "everything is an audition" for every player and that it's an ongoing battle for the starting quarterback spot.

"Very much is a competition," he said. "What happens in stadium is weighted heavier than what happens in a practice setting because it's more game-like."

Fields getting those "couple" series on Friday could help tilt a competition that had leaned heavily in Wilson's favor heading into training camp. The jaw-dropping flashes from the 25-year-old through three seasons are more likely to come in a live setting than practices.

However, when asked if Wilson remains in the pole position for the starting gig, Tomlin was unequivocal.

"You guys saw the depth chart that I released yesterday. That is real," the coach said of the unofficial depth chart released Tuesday that has Wilson as QB1.

Despite Wilson missing valuable reps in a new scheme, the competition continues to tilt toward the veteran. Fields will get the first preseason game to prove to the coaching staff that they should reconsider the order.
...

Full artcile: https://www.nfl.com/news/russell-wilson ... son-opener

Wilson injury remains the best chance of the Bears getting that 4th round pick. Fields now gets his first chance to change the narrative.

[Grizzled]

Fields started the game against the Texans 5 of 6 for 67 yards. However, 2 of the first snaps were fumbled. 2 sacks and 4 hits in the 1st quarter. He showed hesitancy in throwing, allowing rushers to consistently get to him. In other words, much of the play he showed as a Bear which drove fans crazy.

[RichH55]

Playing Center for Fields is like being the drummer for Spinal Tap

[southdakbearfan]

Fields started the game against the Texans 5 of 6 for 67 yards. However, 2 of the first snaps were fumbled. 2 sacks and 4 hits in the 1st quarter. He showed hesitancy in throwing, allowing rushers to consistently get to him. In other words, much of the play he showed as a Bear which drove fans crazy.

It was pretty much a carbon copy of him last season.

[RichH55]

Fields started the game against the Texans 5 of 6 for 67 yards. However, 2 of the first snaps were fumbled. 2 sacks and 4 hits in the 1st quarter. He showed hesitancy in throwing, allowing rushers to consistently get to him. In other words, much of the play he showed as a Bear which drove fans crazy.

It was pretty much a carbon copy of him last season.

And at Ohio State too

Nothing is new here

[southdakbearfan]

It was pretty much a carbon copy of him last season.

And at Ohio State too

Nothing is new here

I see the tantalizing, if he can just progress in this one area that everyone seems to see. It wasn’t terrible, wasn’t great, just kind of meh.

[RichH55]

And at Ohio State too

Nothing is new here

I see the tantalizing, if he can just progress in this one area that everyone seems to see. It wasn’t terrible, wasn’t great, just kind of meh.

If only he had Tory Taylor - he'd already be in the Pro Bowl and higher on the Top 100 list! True Butterfly Effect!

[dplank]

That’s 3 trolls in a day in this thread, plus a few more sprinkled in the other forum…and we all wonder why we struggle to keep civil discourse around here?

It remains in the best interest of our franchise for him to start in Pittsburgh. Some folks actively root against that for “internet cred”. Weird.

[RichH55]

That’s 3 trolls in a day in this thread, plus a few more sprinkled in the other forum…and we all wonder why we struggle to keep civil discourse around here?

It remains in the best interest of our franchise for him to start in Pittsburgh. Some folks actively root against that for “internet cred”. Weird.

Anything negative on Fields is not a personal attack (Or - at least it SHOULDNT be)

I absolutely want him to play for Pitt - It gets us a 4th and makes the 4th higher in the process - Can still acknowledge stuff on his play though

Is there a single person saying they dont want him to start? Is there a post I missed on that? Just wondering

[dplank]

You’ve posted at least 4 times trolling him and anyone who supported him. It’s unnecessary, I’m calling it out for what it is - pure trolling. Just a simple fact, maybe if you’re gonna be hyper sensitive about it just dont do it. Nothing gained from those posts but pure antagonism.

[wab]

Cut the shit.

DP: He’s not “trolling”. At most he’s being a sarcastic ass.
Rich: Don’t be a sarcastic ass every time you get a chance.

[RichH55]

Cut the shit.

DP: He’s not “trolling”. At most he’s being a sarcastic ass.
Rich: Don’t be a sarcastic ass every time you get a chance.

The Tory Taylor stuff is more tongue in cheek than sarcastic (And only slightly tongue in cheek than that as its frankly a better apologist theory than some that have literally been advanced on the Board)

But noted either way - but saying negative things about Fields or Ngakoue or positive things about DomRob - are really far away from trolling or personal attacks too

The sarcasm note is probably just good life advice over and above the message board

[RichH55]

You’ve posted at least 4 times trolling him and anyone who supported him. It’s unnecessary, I’m calling it out for what it is - pure trolling. Just a simple fact, maybe if you’re gonna be hyper sensitive about it just dont do it. Nothing gained from those posts but pure antagonism.

Is Fields like a message board poster here?

Did I start this thread? Am I simply responding to what people are saying?

I can't say true things about Fields because people supported him and it will hurt their feelings? Really?

[Moriarty]

https://www.sportsmockery.com/chicago-b ... ittsburgh/

Some deliberate clickbaity hype and exaggeration involved in this title and the article's main quote.
But the core of it - which is certainly possible - is the belief that Wilson could have been playing sooner after his calf injury, but the Steelers wanted to get a longer look at Justin. After a rocky outing, they decided they'd already seen enough and announced Wilson was now ready.

[wab]

Fields has never been particularly good in the preseason (the few times he's actually played) when things are supposed to be very rehearsed and scripted. That's just not his game.

[Grizzled]

Wilson was less than impressive in Pitt's exhibition game. He was 8-10 for 47 yards, withfour punts and a missed field goal on five drives. He was sacked twice, holding the ball too long as he did in Denver (funny, he did at times when I was living in Seattle but he was a slippery shit and avoided sacks). Pitt's first four drives netted 12 yards, one first down, four punts and didn’t get past their own 34-yard line.

[dplank]

Wilson was less than impressive in Pitt's exhibition game. He was 8-10 for 47 yards, withfour punts and a missed field goal on five drives. He was sacked twice, holding the ball too long as he did in Denver (funny, he did at times when I was living in Seattle but he was a slippery shit and avoided sacks). Pitt's first four drives netted 12 yards, one first down, four punts and didn’t get past their own 34-yard line.

He was actually sacked 3 times. We’ve gone from Let Russ Cook to Russ Is Cooked.

[HurricaneBear]

Yeah Russ is beyond done. I was totally wrong about Justin, seeing Williams play has shown me that. But Justin should get a shot instead of Russ in Pitt Russ isnt getting you anywhere. Justin may not either, but there's still hope he could.