The Pittsburgh Steelers are dealing with a major issue in the red zone, and former quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has a unique idea to address it — Justin Fields. In Week 11, the Steelers snagged a close 18-16 victory over the Baltimore Ravens with a dominant defense, holding Baltimore to just 16 points, while kicker Chris Boswell converted six field goals to secure the win.
Despite the victory, Pittsburgh’s offense fell short in scoring touchdowns. Instead of finding the end zone, they settled for field goals, highlighting their need for a solution in the red zone.
Ben Roethlisberger Sees Justin Fields as Steelers’ Creative Answer
On his podcast, Footbahlin With Ben Roethlisberger, the former Steelers QB suggested a creative solution to Pittsburgh’s struggles near the goal line. He proposed that the Steelers bring in Fields for specific red-zone packages, utilizing his mobility and ability to score in tight situations.
“I love bringing him in for that,” Roethlisberger said. “What about bringing Fields in the red zone a little bit? Just to utilize his legs. We know he’s got, I think, five touchdowns this year. Why not bring him in…just to mix it up?”
Fields lost his starting role to Russell Wilson when the latter returned from injury. However, Wilson has proven ineffective as a situational quarterback, especially in the red zone.
Fields, meanwhile, prior to Wilson reclaiming the starting spot, scored five rushing touchdowns earlier in the season — all within the red zone.
Against Baltimore, Fields made a brief appearance, running twice for 17 yards, showing the dimension he could bring in red-zone scenarios.
Charlie Batch Warns About Overusing Fields
Roethlisberger might have suggested Fields as a solution, but some within the Steelers’ organization and former players like Charlie Batch have raised concerns about the consistency and practicality of this approach.
Batch, a former backup quarterback for Pittsburgh, appeared on Randy Baumann and the DVE Morning Show on 102.5 WDVE, where he noted that it is challenging to stay warm and in rhythm for just a few plays.
“It’s hard to come in cold and make plays right away,” Batch explained.
In Week 11, Fields’ only second-half appearance came in Pittsburgh’s final drive — after more than an hour on the sidelines. Batch cautioned that these isolated snaps could make it difficult for Fields to maintain peak performance, especially in critical moments.
Another consideration is the potential predictability of using Fields in these packages. Batch highlighted that inserting Fields for red-zone plays could limit the Steelers’ playbook options.
Amidst the chatter, Wilson talked about Fields in high regard after the Baltimore game, noting, “Justin’s a tremendous football player. I think that anytime he steps on the field, great things can happen. … I think we’ve done a really good job, me and him together, just trying to be our best.”
#Steelers QB Russell Wilson on potential packages for QB Justin Fields.
“Justin’s a tremendous football player. I think that anytime he steps on the field, great things can happen. … I think we’ve done a really good job, me and him together, just trying to be our best.” pic.twitter.com/4FervkvL88
— Aaron Becker (@Aaron_M_Becker) November 14, 2024
If Pittsburgh relies too heavily on these packages, opposing defenses could begin to anticipate the plays, neutralizing Fields’ impact. His red-zone performance and mobility offer a compelling argument for his inclusion in specific scenarios.