Steelers Regret: Fields' Top 3 Teams

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Post on Nov 23, 2024

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Steelers Regret: Fields' Top 3 Teams — A Quarterback Conundrum

The 2021 NFL Draft. A pivotal moment for many franchises, but perhaps none more so than the Pittsburgh Steelers. Their decision to pass on Justin Fields, opting instead for Najee Harris, continues to fuel debate among fans and analysts alike. While Harris has proven a valuable asset, the tantalizing potential of Fields, now a rising star in Chicago, leaves many Steelers fans wondering "what if?" Let's delve into the three teams who arguably benefited most from the Steelers' decision to pass on Fields, showcasing the potential impact he could have had in Pittsburgh.

1. The Chicago Bears: A Match Made in Heaven?

The Chicago Bears snagged Justin Fields at pick #11, a move that's largely considered a masterstroke. While his early career faced challenges, Fields has demonstrated exceptional talent, showcasing his dynamic playmaking ability, arm strength, and electrifying running skills. His development into a legitimate franchise quarterback has transformed the Bears' outlook, injecting a level of excitement not seen in Chicago for years. Had the Steelers selected Fields, it's highly plausible that their offensive trajectory would be significantly different, potentially catapulting them to greater heights than currently experienced. The Bears' success, built largely on Fields' potential, serves as a stark reminder of the Steelers' potential missed opportunity.

Fields' Impact on Chicago: A Statistical Look

Analyzing Fields' statistics shows a clear upward trend. He's improved his completion percentage, passing yards, and touchdown numbers year over year, hinting at a bright future. This progress, starkly contrasting the Steelers' relatively stagnant offense at times, emphasizes the potential lost. The Steelers’ run-heavy offense may have stifled Fields' capabilities, or conversely, his dynamic playmaking could have rejuvenated the team's overall offensive strategy.

2. The New York Jets: A Contender's Potential

While not directly benefiting from the Steelers' inaction, the New York Jets' selection of Zach Wilson at pick #2 highlights the inherent risk in drafting quarterbacks. The Jets' subsequent struggle with Wilson underscores the value of a player like Fields. Had the Steelers drafted Fields, the Jets might have been forced to explore other options, possibly impacting their current quarterback situation. The Jets' struggle, compared to the Bears' ascent with Fields, exemplifies the high-stakes gamble of the NFL Draft. The Steelers' perceived safe pick contrasts with the Jets’ high-risk, high-reward approach, and ultimately, the Bears' success with a quarterback considered equally risky by some.

Wilson vs. Fields: A Tale of Two Quarterbacks

Comparing Wilson's and Fields' career trajectories highlights the inherent uncertainty in evaluating quarterback prospects. Fields' gradual improvement showcases his resilience and potential for future greatness. This stands in contrast to Wilson's struggles and raises questions about the Steelers' decision-making process, focusing on perceived safer options rather than a potentially higher-ceiling player like Fields.

3. The San Francisco 49ers: Trey Lance's Uncertain Future

The San Francisco 49ers' selection of Trey Lance and subsequent trade for Christian McCaffrey showcases another approach to building a successful team. While Lance's future remains uncertain, the 49ers' willingness to invest heavily in multiple quarterbacks (including Brock Purdy) illustrates the league-wide pursuit of elite quarterback talent. The Steelers' decision to prioritize other positions, overlooking Fields, could have had a cascading effect, impacting how other teams approached the quarterback position. The 49ers' situation, with multiple quarterbacks vying for the starting role, underscores the importance of having a strong, established quarterback to build around, a position the Steelers seem to still be searching for.

The 49ers' Quarterback Carousel: A Lesson for Pittsburgh?

The 49ers' experience with multiple quarterbacks highlights the value of having a definitive, long-term solution at the position. This constant search for a reliable quarterback may seem familiar to Steelers fans. The Steelers' choice to forgo Fields suggests a lack of foresight regarding the long-term value of an elite quarterback. The 49ers' quarterback carousel, in a way, reflects the regret many Steelers fans feel regarding the 2021 draft.

Conclusion:

The Steelers' decision to pass on Justin Fields remains a topic of intense discussion. The success of the Chicago Bears, coupled with the struggles of other teams who drafted quarterbacks around the same time, underscores the risk and reward involved in selecting a franchise quarterback. While time will tell if the Steelers made the right decision, the potential impact of Fields in Pittsburgh continues to fuel the "what if" scenarios, cementing the 2021 NFL Draft as a significant turning point in the Steelers' recent history. The lasting impact of this decision will continue to be felt as the Steelers navigate their present and future, forever linked to the quarterback they didn’t choose.