Off to a 2-0 start with the Steelers thus far this season, quarterback Justin Fields will be looking for the first three-game winning streak of his career when the Los Angeles Chargers visit Acrisure Stadium Sunday in Pittsburgh's home opener.
Fields' numbers aren't eye-popping – he has thrown for just 273 yards and one touchdown with 84 rushing yards in the Steelers' first two games – but those aren't ones that matter. Those numbers would be the ones at the end of the game.
And through two games, Fields has led the Steelers to more points than their opponents in wins at Atlanta and Denver.
He'd like the offense to post more than the 31 points it has scored in its first two games, but thus far, it hasn't been needed.
Acquired via a trade with the Chicago Bears a few days after the Steelers also had signed Russell Wilson to completely revamp their quarterback room, Fields is finding winning to be to his liking.
"I think it's definitely a blessing being here," said Fields, who was 10-28 in three seasons as the Bears' primary starter. "It was kind of bittersweet when I first got here, but I was happy to come to an organization like this, and I couldn't be happier now. So I'm just glad to get the opportunity to go out there Sunday onto the field and hope to come out with a few more wins."
How long Fields continues to start could depend upon the health of Wilson, who was named the Steelers starter at the beginning of the season.
Wilson suffered a calf injury in training camp that cropped up again three days before the team's regular season opener at Atlanta, pushing Fields into the starting lineup.
Wilson said Thursday at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex that he's getting better. But in the meantime, Fields has put the Steelers in good position, leading them to a 2-0 record for the first time since 2020.
Wilson has liked what he's seen from Fields, for whom he has served as a mentor dating back to Fields' days at Ohio State.
"I think Justin does everything well. He's a talented athlete, a guy who's smart, works hard, and we spend a lot of time together," Wilson said. "I'm willing to do whatever it takes to help him and us win these games. It's about the team and us winning right now, and us finding ways to win. Obviously, the Atlanta game, it was a close game. We were able to win that close, tight game this past game, too, as well.
"It was a close one. And I just think every win counts and everything that we do. One thing else is that I just love the work. He loves the work. We both do."
That dynamic Wilson and Fields have together has worked well in terms of the relationship between the two. And Fields is enjoying being part of a winning formula – even if it isn't always the prettiest way to get a victory.
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His 22 rushing attempts are the second-most in the NFL by a quarterback this season, while his 43 pass attempts through the first two games ranks among the fewest in the league. Overall, the Steelers have run the ball an NFL-high 77 times.
But the offense has produced just one touchdown in the first two games, though one touchdown was wiped out by penalty at Denver, while the Steelers have had some big plays erased because of penalties, as well.
Cleaning that up is the goal this week against the Chargers (2-0).
"I just think we just fix the details," said Fields, who has posted a 94.4 passer rating. "The big picture, I think everybody's been great, but in just terms of mistakes, penalties and stuff like that, I think if we eliminate those, then we'll definitely get the ball rolling."
If they can eliminate those, it will help the offense – and by extension, Fields – immensely.
"The biggest thing is staying on schedule first and second down, and making it third-and-manageable when we do get to that third down," Fields said. "So, you never want to be third-and-11 plus where, you know, defense can just sit back and get the four main rush going and kind of tee off. So, definitely want to stay on schedule, for sure, to challenge the defense."
