The Pittsburgh Steelers will take on the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday in the wild-card round of the NFL postseason. Pittsburgh aims to pull off an upset win over Baltimore despite the team’s four-game losing streak to end the regular season.
It’s been a roller coaster for the offense, as quarterback Russell Wilson only accumulated 698 passing yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions while throwing a 61.7% completion percentage during that four-game stretch.
With the Steelers facing off against a red-hot Ravens team, the coaching staff may have to get creative to spark the offense into making some big plays. On Saturday, it was revealed that Pittsburgh may utilize backup quarterback Justin Fields sporadically against Baltimore.
Reports indicate that the Steelers “have prepared packages” for Fields ahead of Saturday’s contest, according to Ian Rapoport of The NFL Network. The 25-year-old quarterback is incredibly athletic and can torch opposing defenses with his legs.
Fields started in six games for the Steelers while Wilson was nursing a calf injury he suffered in training camp. Pittsburgh went 4-2 with Fields under center. However, the former Ohio State Buckeye has participated in 10 games for the organization this season.
Getting Fields into the mix could be a smart move for Pittsburgh. He’s played well with his limited opportunities and his athleticism gives opposing defenses headaches. Fields ended the regular season with 1,106 passing yards, 285 rushing yards, 10 total touchdowns, and one interception (career-low) while throwing a 65.8% completion percentage (career-high).
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks Justin Fields (left) and Russell Wilson (right)
© Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Wilson is slated to start for the Steelers on Saturday and will likely dominate the snap count. There could be situations where Fields is subbed in on certain packages. But with Fields’ athleticism, Pittsburgh could create plays lining Fields up as a wide receiver or a running back.
We won’t know how it all plays out until the game kicks off at 8 p.m. EST on Prime Video. This will be the third time this season the Steelers and Ravens face off as well. Pittsburgh took the win in the first matchup with an 18-16 Week 11 victory. Baltimore got revenge in Week 16 though, as the Steelers lost that game, 34-17.
