PITTSBURGH — Justin Fields continues to avoid errors, while Mike Tomlin sidesteps questions about his backup quarterback’s performance. If Fields keeps up his strong showing, the Pittsburgh Steelers head coach may find it increasingly difficult to dodge the topic, especially as Fields establishes himself as a potential permanent starter despite Russell Wilson’s recovery from a calf injury.
Fields delivered his most effective performance to date in a 20-10 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, throwing for one touchdown and rushing for another, aiding the Steelers in achieving a 3-0 start for the first time since 2020.
Although Fields emphasizes that he isn’t achieving this success in isolation—especially with a defense that held the Chargers (2-1) to just 168 total yards—he acknowledges he has transformed since enduring three inconsistent seasons with the Chicago Bears before being traded to Pittsburgh in March.
“I feel very calm out there, cool and collected, just maintaining that sense of peace on the field and not rushing things,” Fields stated after completing 25 of 32 passes for 245 yards. “I’m staying calm in the pocket, making plays when needed, and fulfilling my role.”
Against the Chargers, Fields led an offense that relentlessly pressured the opposition for three quarters until Los Angeles finally broke down.
In the fourth quarter, Pittsburgh had three possessions, scoring a go-ahead field goal by Chris Boswell, connecting a 55-yard pass from Fields to Calvin Austin III, and executing a 65-yard drive that ran off the last 4:59 of the game while seemingly extinguishing the Chargers’ resolve.
“It was evident that the offensive line just wore them down,” Steelers left tackle Dan Moore Jr. said.
Pittsburgh feels it is just beginning its season, marked by uncertainty—especially at quarterback—has now seen three consecutive wins that have followed a familiar narrative: a close, tough contest in which the Steelers consistently delivered in critical moments late in the game.
“I think we’re all seasoned for those moments,” said Pittsburgh defensive tackle Cam Heyward.
This approach may stem from years of necessity. Due to struggling offensive output, the Steelers have leaned heavily on their defense.
Although there’s still much room for improvement—Fields notably threw his first interception of the season on a reckless throw in the third quarter that halted a promising drive—there is increasing optimism that Pittsburgh’s traditional style could yield results in 2024.
“Those old Bill Cowher days, 3 yards and a cloud of dust,” Heyward reflected, referring to the former Hall of Fame coach known for his physical team strategy.
The Chargers are also building similarly under first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh, but struggled to compete without Justin Herbert.
Herbert entered the game with a tender right ankle that limited his practice during the week and was taken out late in the third quarter after being sacked by Pittsburgh linebacker Elandon Roberts. He finished with 12 completions on 18 attempts for 125 yards and a touchdown.
While he watched from the sidelines during the fourth quarter, backup Taylor Heinicke faced difficulties against a relentless pass rush that resulted in five sacks.
Harbaugh refrained from speculating on Herbert’s status for next week’s game against Kansas City but praised the quarterback’s resilience.
“Every time I believe he can’t impress me further, he finds a way,” Harbaugh commented.
The Chargers watched their early-season momentum fade in the final quarter. A series of defensive penalties allowed Pittsburgh to extend a drive that culminated in Boswell’s second field goal, putting the Steelers ahead 13-10.
Heinicke managed to secure a first down before punting, and Fields quickly responded, finding the 5-foot-9 Austin on a slant route that he converted into a pivotal touchdown.
“We didn’t finish strong,” Harbaugh said. “Not every game will have a fairy tale ending.”
Injuries
Chargers: Edge rusher Joey Bosa aggravated an existing hip issue early in the game and did not return.
Steelers: Outside linebacker Alex Highsmith exited with a groin injury late in the first half, cornerback Cory Trice left with a hamstring injury in the first quarter, and wide receiver Van Jefferson suffered an eye injury during the second quarter.
Up next
Chargers: Will attempt to break a five-game losing streak against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs next Sunday at SoFi Stadium.
Steelers: Will face the Indianapolis Colts for their third consecutive year next week.