Veteran NFL Analyst Speculates on a Perennial Issue in Justin Fields

"Analyzing Justin Fields' Pocket Awareness: A Critical Aspect for the Pittsburgh Steelers"

In the evaluation of Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields, one aspect of his game raises genuine concerns: his pocket awareness, often resulting in avoidable sacks due to difficulty in reading the field. Interestingly, this issue parallels that of seasoned quarterback Russell Wilson, posing a potential dilemma for the Steelers.

ESPN analyst and former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky suggests that the quarterback competition will hinge on who can rectify this crucial flaw. Orlovsky highlights the alarming sack statistics of both Wilson and Fields over the past two seasons, emphasizing the urgency for improvement, particularly for Fields given his youth.

Orlovsky further delves into the importance of minimizing negative plays, encompassing sacks, fumbles, and interceptions. Fields, despite showing promise, has amassed a significant number of such negative plays, prompting scrutiny over his developmental trajectory.


Field's tumultuous tenure in Chicago, marked by coaching changes and offensive instability, complicates his progress. Longtime NFL analyst Greg Cosell asserts that Field's innate ability to read the game may be a persistent issue, suggesting a limitation that might endure.

Former Bears director of player personnel Josh Lucas echoes Cosell's sentiments, questioning whether Field's struggles stem from a lack of instinct rather than mere inexperience. This sentiment is reinforced by Field's perception in the league as a backup rather than a starting quarterback.

Despite incremental progress in 2023, Field's performance remains under scrutiny, with statistics reflecting a mixed bag of achievements and setbacks. Notably, his rushing prowess outshines even Lamar Jackson, indicating a multifaceted skill set despite ongoing concerns.

As the Steelers weigh their options, Field's pocket awareness emerges as a pivotal factor in his potential success at the helm of their offense. The path to improvement remains uncertain, but addressing this fundamental flaw will undoubtedly define Field's trajectory in the NFL.