Steelers 2024: A Rising Force in the AFC North with Justin Fields at the Helm

The Pittsburgh Steelers have started the 2024 NFL season with a bang, sitting comfortably at 2-0 atop the AFC North. The Steelers are developing into a dangerous team with quarterback Justin Fields leading a balanced offense and an elite defense holding down the fort. As Fields continues to grow, so does the potential of this Steelers team, and fans have every reason to be excited about what lies ahead. In this article, we’ll dive into the keys behind their early success and why this Steelers team could be a serious contender by the end of the season.

Fields’ Improved Play and His Fit with the Steelers

One of the biggest storylines for the Steelers this year has been the arrival and development of Justin Fields. After a tumultuous stint with the Chicago Bears, Fields was met with skepticism, as some questioned if his struggles were the product of the Bears’ system or a reflection of his own abilities. Early signs with Pittsburgh suggest the former, as Fields has demonstrated efficient, decisive play in the Steelers’ first two games.

While Fields hasn’t lit up the stat sheet with passing yards, his smart play has made a difference. He’s getting the ball out quickly and effectively, letting his playmakers do the heavy lifting. Fields is also utilizing his legs when necessary, adding an extra dimension to the Steelers’ offense that opposing defenses must respect. With Arthur Smith, a coach known for his offensive prowess, guiding him, Fields is flourishing in Pittsburgh, proving himself to be a perfect fit for the Steelers’ system.

The Impact of Arthur Smith’s Offense

Arthur Smith has implemented a balanced offensive scheme that plays to Fields’ strengths while protecting him from unnecessary risks. The Steelers are not looking to air it out on every play; instead, they’re focused on playing efficient football and limiting turnovers. Smith has emphasized the running game, allowing Fields to make short, safe throws, with occasional scrambles to keep defenses honest.

The offense has room for explosive plays, too. Although Fields has primarily focused on short passes, as the season progresses, we can expect to see Smith open up the playbook, giving Fields more opportunities to test defenses deep. The presence of wide receiver George Pickens provides an enticing target for such plays. Pickens, a known downfield threat, showed his prowess with impressive performances in both Week 1 and Week 2, reinforcing his status as a premier deep threat in the NFL.

Weapons on the Offensive Side

Beyond Fields and Pickens, the Steelers boast a collection of skilled playmakers who contribute to a well-rounded offense. Van Jefferson has been a reliable target, while Calvin Austin brings speed and big-play potential. Tight end Pat Freiermuth is also emerging as a key weapon, offering a safe option for Fields in the short passing game. Freiermuth’s size and reliability make him a favorite target in crucial situations, and he’s shown himself to be one of the more effective receiving tight ends in the league.

Backing up Freiermuth is Darnell Washington, who primarily serves as a blocker but showed promise as a pass-catcher in Week 2. This depth at tight end gives the Steelers added flexibility and opens up possibilities for Smith’s play-calling, especially in the red zone.

The running back duo of Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren is another strength. Harris’s power-running style complements Warren’s explosiveness, allowing the Steelers to maintain a dynamic rushing attack. In their Week 2 victory over the Denver Broncos, the Steelers racked up over 140 rushing yards, underscoring the importance of their ground game in controlling the tempo and keeping Fields in manageable situations.

Dominant Defense Holding It Down

While the offense continues to find its rhythm, the Steelers’ defense has been the true driving force behind their success. The defensive line has been relentless, pressuring opposing quarterbacks and shutting down the run. Through two games, the Steelers’ pass rush has generated numerous pressures, hurries, and sacks, causing chaos in the backfield. This defensive front has made life difficult for quarterbacks like Kirk Cousins and Bo Nix, resulting in interceptions and turnovers that swing momentum in the Steelers’ favor.

The secondary has been just as impressive, with the addition of DeShon Elliott bolstering an already formidable unit. Elliott, paired with star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, gives Pittsburgh one of the best safety tandems in the league. They excel at taking away deep passing options, allowing the rest of the secondary to focus on underneath routes and locking down receivers. Rookie cornerback Joey Porter Jr. has also impressed, while veterans like Dante Jackson have solidified the defense’s ability to adapt and dominate in coverage.

The Steelers’ ability to stifle the run has been especially noteworthy. They’ve limited running backs to minimal gains, as evidenced by their performance against the Broncos, where they held Javonte Williams to a mere 1.5 yards per carry. This defensive success against both the run and pass forces opponents into uncomfortable positions, making it difficult for offenses to find any rhythm.

A Promising Outlook for the Rest of the Season

As the season progresses, the Steelers have the potential to become a well-rounded, formidable team. While their defense is already elite, the offense continues to show signs of growth under Smith’s guidance. If Fields maintains his current trajectory, the Steelers could soon become one of the most balanced teams in the league.

Steelers fans have every reason to be optimistic. With a 2-0 start and momentum on their side, Pittsburgh is in an excellent position to contend for the AFC North title. This team has the potential to not only make the playoffs but to make a deep run, given their defensive prowess and the gradual improvement on offense.

The 2024 Steelers are a team on the rise, and if Fields and company continue their development, they could be one of the most dangerous teams in the NFL by season’s end. For now, the Steelers are content to focus on what they do best: playing hard-nosed, physical football, and winning games. As Fields grows more comfortable in his role, look out for Pittsburgh as they look to make waves in the AFC this year.