Pittsburgh Review

Steelers quarterback Justin Fields aims to improve the team's early-game performance as he prepares for his fourth consecutive start against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium. Despite scoring in the first halves of their initial three games, the Steelers have trailed after two quarters in two of those matches.

A strong second-half performance has led to three straight victories this season. However, Fields wants a faster start to ease the game’s progression. Last week, Fields threw for 245 yards and one touchdown while also rushing for a score, helping the Steelers overcome a 10-7 halftime deficit to beat the Los Angeles Chargers.

Fields noted areas for improvement: "Looked pretty good," he said about reviewing game footage. "Still some room to improve, some stuff to get better at. But you know, this next game, we want to emphasize starting faster."

Head coach Mike Tomlin shares this sentiment: "Offensively, we didn't start with the level of fluidity that I would like," Tomlin stated. He emphasized the need for quick resolution of these issues early in the season.

The Colts may provide an opportunity for improvement. They have allowed opponents to convert third downs at a 50 percent rate and have struggled with time of possession, holding the ball for just 21:36 on average over their first three games.

Despite early-game challenges, the Steelers are converting 43.2 percent of their third downs by maintaining positive yardage on first and second downs. Fields highlighted this strategy: "I think everybody is more successful when it's third-and-six or less."

Fields' improved handling of blitzes has been significant this season. Against the Chargers last Sunday, he completed 8 out of 9 passes for 119 yards and a touchdown when blitzed—a notable improvement from his previous seasons with Chicago before joining Pittsburgh via trade.

"I'm not sure why," Fields said regarding his progress against blitzes. "The biggest thing is, for me, I'm just trying to stay on schedule on first and second down and always try to have a manageable third down."