Wide receiver Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, a retired NFL player, is not a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers potentially designing special packages for quarterback Justin Fields, assuming that the team starts veteran quarterback Russell Wilson as the starting signal-caller for the 2018 campaign.
Regarding Fields, Johnson stated, “I don’t like the gimmicky, using him in a [Taysom Hill of the New Orleans Saints] role,” on the most recent “Nightcap” show, according to Jeremy Pike of Steelers Depot. “When it comes to managing an offense, I don’t like taking Russell Wilson out and getting him off-course or out of rhythm. Give Russell Wilson the reins so he can lead that team and take care of business.”
Wilson is expected to start at quarterback for Pittsburgh when the AFC North team plays the Atlanta Falcons on September 8, 2024. The 35-year-old said earlier this week that Fields’ exceptional athleticism might “strike fear in some defenses,” thanks in large part to offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s creation of special packages for the player.
Fields, 25, has the option to sign a short-term contract extension with Pittsburgh in order to retain his rights through the 2025 season, but the team is not committed to Wilson or Fields past the 2024 season. After spending three years with the Chicago Bears, Fields may be eager to impress his new coaching staff and teammates, but Johnson said the 2021 first-round draft pick should consider his long-term goals.
Johnson said of Fields, “I know he’s a dual-threat quarterback.” “He excels at a few things in particular. He can throw the ball, of course. He can obviously run the ball as well.
In my opinion, Justin Fields should resist the temptation to use these unique plays to turn him into a novelty and continue to be the starting quarterback that the Steelers will need him to be the next season. Avoid starting any gimmicky activities as they will perceive you as nothing more than a gimmick.”
Johnson’s analysis has a flaw in that Wilson, who turns 36 in November, has the potential to sign a new contract with the Steelers if he performs as well in Smith’s offense as some have predicted. For the time being, Fields is limited to practicing as though he is in a real quarterback competition, regardless of the reality.
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