PITTSBURGH — Justin Fields continues to shine without making mistakes, while head coach Mike Tomlin remains tight-lipped on the topic. With Fields’ impressive performances, Tomlin may soon find it difficult to keep the conversation quiet, especially as Fields demonstrates his value as the starter for the Pittsburgh Steelers, even with Russell Wilson’s right calf injury lingering.
Fields had his most effective game to date in a 20-10 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, throwing for one touchdown and rushing for another, leading the Steelers to a 3-0 start for the first time since 2020.
He acknowledges that his success is a team effort, especially as the defense stifled the Chargers to just 168 total yards, while the offensive line dominated during crucial moments. Despite his growth, Fields reflects on his past struggles with the Chicago Bears, emphasizing a newfound composure. “I feel like I’m just very calm out there,” he said after completing 25 of 32 passes for 245 yards. “Internally, my brain, just staying calm in the pocket, making plays when I can and just doing my job.”
Against the Chargers, Fields helped orchestrate an offense that methodically wore down their opponents over three quarters. In the fourth quarter, Pittsburgh managed to score a leading field goal from Chris Boswell, followed by a significant 55-yard connection from Fields to Calvin Austin III, and a 65-yard drive that consumed the final minutes of the game.
“The offensive line was just clear that they were done,” noted Steelers left tackle Dan Moore Jr., reflecting the team’s physical dominance.
As the Steelers navigate a season filled with uncertainty—especially at quarterback—the squad is finding their rhythm with three consecutive victories characterized by tightly contested games where late plays have proven crucial. “I think we’re just seasoned for those moments,” stated defensive tackle Cam Heyward.
Having relied heavily on their defense in previous seasons due to offensive inconsistency, the Steelers are beginning to see progress, even as Fields faces challenges, such as throwing his first interception of the season during a scoring opportunity.
Heyward likened the team’s current approach to the past under Hall of Fame coach Bill Cowher, known for his physical style of football, expressing optimism for the future.
Meanwhile, the Chargers, under first-year coach Jim Harbaugh, are aiming for a similar foundation but struggled in the absence of quarterback Justin Herbert, who was sidelined late by an ankle injury after being sacked. Herbert managed to complete 12 of 18 passes for 125 yards and a touchdown before his departure.
Harbaugh praised Herbert’s toughness but acknowledged the setbacks. The Chargers lost momentum late in the game, with defensive penalties extending a Steelers drive that culminated in Boswell’s field goal, putting Pittsburgh ahead.
Los Angeles did manage a brief advance courtesy of backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke before the Steelers responded decisively with Fields connecting with Austin for a game-breaking score.
“Not every game is going to be a fairytale ending,” Harbaugh commented on the disappointing fourth quarter.
Injuries were a concern for both teams, with Chargers edge rusher Joey Bosa aggravating a hip issue early in the game and not returning, while the Steelers suffered losses with outside linebacker Alex Highsmith and cornerback Cory Trice, as well as wide receiver Van Jefferson nursing an eye injury.
Looking ahead, the Chargers aim to end a five-game losing streak against the Kansas City Chiefs next Sunday, while the Steelers will embark on their third consecutive trip to Indianapolis to face the Colts.