Pittsburgh’s offseason quarterback moves have proven to pay off up to this point of the season. Justin Fields found success early in his new NFL home, leading the Steelers to a 4-2 record. Once healed from a calf injury, Russell Wilson stepped in and took command of the Steelers offense, and he is 4-1 as a starter in the black and gold. The Steelers offense is significantly improved from last season, averaging 22.9 points per game so far in 2024.

With all of this being said, there is a glaring statistic that needs to be addressed moving forward: the red zone offense. While Pittsburgh is finding success and winning games, they were ranked 30th in the league in red zone offense coming into Week 12, scoring touchdowns on just 44.4% of their red zone trips. Against the Browns, Pittsburgh scored touchdowns on 50% of their red zone trips, going 1 for 2. While Wilson has been impressive in his play and his ability to lead the Steelers through his first 5 weeks as a starter, he is certainly struggling in the red area. Wilson has scored a total of 5 touchdowns on red zone trips through 5 games (rushing and passing combined); he has scored an additional 2 touchdowns on passes of 20+ yards. Comparing this to teammate Justin Fields, Fields played a role in 9 red zone touchdowns through six games (rushing and passing combined). 5 of Fields’ touchdowns were rushing touchdowns. Including scoring plays occurring outside of the red zone, Fields has scored a total of 7 touchdowns on the season. What does this tell me as a fan? I believe the Steelers need to continue to use Fields in certain packages in-game, particularly in the red zone. Fields on the field in the red area can help with the team’s recent struggles.

A glimpse of packages made to involve Justin Fields was teased last week when Fields was called upon on a crucial 3rd and 8 to ice the game against Baltimore with his legs. He slid down about a yard too early on the play, but that is not the focus of this article. In Week 12 against the Browns, Fields had a big 30-yard run play that set up a touchdown in the 4th quarter to take a 19-18 lead. There has been conversation since his acquisition in the offseason in terms of how Fields might potentially be used in special packages not unlike how the New Orleans Saints utilize Taysom Hill.

This is just one writer’s opinion, but I would love to see Fields utilized specifically in the red zone. Even just his presence on the field catches the attention of the defense and could open up plays for others. Picture a package with both Wilson and Fields on the field; this could provide an option for a trick play, and the defense would be kept on guard. There could be question as to who was taking the snap, who the play was actually designed for, and even who may throw the football on such a given play. Fields could line up as the sole quarterback on the field with Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, and/or Connor Heyward in the backfield as well. Who is the ball going to on any given play with this formation? There are lots of people to hand the ball off to in the backfield, but a play action pass here could prove deadly, especially with the defense having to acknowledge the threat of Fields’ legs. It is arguably the ideal situation for an RPO.

Here’s to hoping Fields will be used even more in the upcoming weeks in certain packages. He might just be the key to improving the Steelers’ red zone efficiency.