As the NFL playoff picture begins to take shape, the Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves in a familiar spot: battling for a wildcard berth. However, this year’s playoff push has sparked an interesting debate that no one saw coming—a debate that could have a significant impact on the Steelers’ chances for postseason success. Should Pittsburgh start rookie quarterback Justin Fields in their pivotal Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens?
At first glance, the idea of inserting Fields into such a high-stakes game may seem radical. After all, the Steelers already have an experienced quarterback in Ben Roethlisberger, who has led the team to two Super Bowl titles and multiple playoff appearances. Yet, an incredible statistic—coupled with Fields’ promising play in limited action—raises some serious questions: Could Fields provide the Steelers with the best chance of victory against their division rivals in the playoffs?
### The Argument for Starting Justin Fields
Before diving into the stats, it’s essential to outline why the idea of starting Fields in a playoff game isn’t as far-fetched as it might initially seem.
First, the Steelers’ offense has been sputtering for much of the season. Roethlisberger, now in his 18th year, has had trouble maintaining consistency. His arm strength has significantly diminished, and his mobility in the pocket is almost nonexistent. This has placed a heavy burden on the Steelers’ offensive line, as well as the team’s run game and defense.
Fields, on the other hand, has demonstrated a combination of athleticism, mobility, and arm talent that Pittsburgh’s offense has sorely lacked. Despite being a rookie, he has showcased flashes of brilliance during his limited appearances with the Chicago Bears. While some might argue that it’s too risky to start him in a Wild Card game, there is one key stat that stands out: **Justin Fields has been incredibly effective in high-pressure, divisional games against tough defenses.**
### The Key Stat: Fields’ Success Against Aggressive Defenses
One of the most compelling reasons the Steelers should consider starting Justin Fields against the Ravens is his ability to excel in games against aggressive, hard-hitting defenses—something that Baltimore is known for. A deep dive into Fields’ performance this season against some of the league’s toughest defenses reveals an intriguing pattern.
In his most recent starts against top-10 defenses (as ranked by total defense yards and points allowed), Fields has put up impressive numbers. The Bears’ offense has been far from explosive, yet Fields managed to put up 250+ yards and two touchdowns in several games against elite defenses, including the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers themselves. More specifically, his success against teams that pressure the quarterback has been remarkable.
#### Fields vs. Ravens (Week 11)
In Week 11, Fields led the Bears in a thrilling contest against the Ravens. While Chicago ultimately lost the game 16-13, Fields was able to showcase his potential under pressure. He finished with 238 passing yards, a touchdown, and 60 rushing yards. What stood out was his ability to avoid the Ravens’ pass rush—consistently rolling out of the pocket and making plays with his legs.
The Ravens are known for their aggressive blitzing scheme, which is designed to disrupt quarterbacks and force mistakes. Fields, however, was able to handle the pressure with remarkable poise for a rookie. He was sacked only twice and avoided several other potential sacks by utilizing his mobility. His ability to evade the pocket and still make accurate throws allowed the Bears to remain competitive throughout the game, despite a lack of support from his offensive line.
Given how well Fields handled the Ravens’ blitz-heavy defense, it’s easy to envision him making the same type of plays against them in the postseason. With the Steelers’ own offensive line issues, Fields’ mobility would be a tremendous asset in evading the pass rush and extending plays, something Roethlisberger has struggled with all season.
#### Fields vs. Steelers (Week 9)
Perhaps even more telling was Fields’ performance against the Steelers themselves in Week 9, a game that ended in a 29-27 loss for Chicago. Fields demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure against one of the league’s best pass rushes, including players like T.J. Watt, who is a legitimate Defensive Player of the Year candidate. Fields managed to throw for 291 yards and a touchdown, while also running for 45 yards.
In this game, the Steelers’ defense consistently pressured Fields, but he responded by making quick decisions and using his legs to escape dangerous situations. Although the Bears ultimately lost, Fields’ performance against a defense as formidable as Pittsburgh’s is a huge indicator of his readiness to face another top-tier defense in a playoff setting.
### The Steelers’ Struggles Against Mobile Quarterbacks
While the Ravens have historically dominated the Steelers in head-to-head matchups, it’s important to remember that they thrive against stationary quarterbacks who struggle to move outside the pocket. In recent seasons, Pittsburgh’s defense has had issues containing mobile quarterbacks—especially those who can escape pressure and make plays with their legs.
Look back at Pittsburgh’s recent losses to teams like the Buffalo Bills (Josh Allen), the Cincinnati Bengals (Joe Burrow), and even the Minnesota Vikings (Kirk Cousins). In each of those games, the Steelers struggled to contain quarterbacks who could move and extend plays. Roethlisberger, by contrast, has become more of a sitting duck in the pocket, making him an easy target for aggressive defenses.
Fields’ mobility would provide Pittsburgh with a better chance to overcome Baltimore’s defense. His ability to roll out and make throws on the run would stretch the Ravens’ defense and prevent them from teeing off on him in the same way they have done against Roethlisberger and other quarterbacks without the same athletic ability.
### The X-Factor: Fields’ Playoff Potential
While some might argue that starting a rookie in a Wild Card playoff game is too much of a risk, the fact remains that Fields’ upside in such a game could outweigh the risks. A strong performance against a division rival like the Ravens would immediately boost Fields’ confidence and set the tone for his future as a starting quarterback.
Fields’ mobility also creates unique opportunities for offensive coordinator Matt Canada to get creative with the game plan. The Steelers’ offensive playbook could incorporate more designed runs, bootlegs, and option plays that exploit the Ravens’ defensive aggressiveness. With the right approach, Fields could help mask the weaknesses of Pittsburgh’s offensive line and provide the spark needed to break free from Baltimore’s grasp.
### Conclusion: The Bold Move for a Playoff Victory
Starting Justin Fields against the Ravens in the Wild Card game is certainly a bold move, but the case for it is compelling. The Steelers’ offense has been inconsistent all season, and their inability to handle aggressive defenses has been well-documented. Fields, with his dynamic skill set and ability to evade pressure, offers a unique solution to this issue.
With his previous success against tough defenses, including Baltimore, and the Steelers’ struggles against mobile quarterbacks, Fields could provide Pittsburgh with the best chance of moving forward in the postseason. His ability to extend plays with his legs, combined with his strong arm and growing confidence, could be the X-factor the Steelers need to make a deep playoff run.
While Ben Roethlisberger will always be a legend in Pittsburgh, the future of the team may lie in the hands of a rookie quarterback who has the potential to thrive on the sport’s biggest stage. If the Steelers are serious about advancing in the playoffs, starting Justin Fields against the Ravens could be the move that propels them to victory.
