The Pittsburgh Steelers made the playoffs last year despite subpar play from the quarterback position. However, the team knew they could not do another year of Kenny Pickett under center. They traded him to the Eagles and brought in Russell Wilson and Justin Fields to try and revitalize the offense. Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon wrote an article on the dark horse candidates for all of the NFL awards for the upcoming season and named Fields as a possibility for Comeback Player of the Year.
Pittsburgh Steelers Justin Fields Named Dark Horse Candidate For CPOY
This hinges on Justin Fields starting for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Russell Wilson has the inside track and, in all likelihood, will be the week 1 starter. However, Fields is reportedly giving Wilson a run for his money. Also, if injuries happen, the former Chicago Bears quarterback could be thrust into a starting role. Gagnon made this case for Fields winning Comeback Player of the Year.
“Pittsburgh Steelers QB Justin Fields (+4000): What if a fresh setting is what the doctor ordered? There’s no denying his talent and athletic ability, and it’s possible he’ll beat out Russell Wilson and take off in Pittsburgh. If so, he’d have to be considered here.”
There is no denying the talent Fields has. Two years ago, he rushed for over 1,100 yards and has shown flashes of being a dynamic passer. If he can make the Pittsburgh Steelers offense run and lead them to a playoff appearance, he could snag the award.
Other Candidates
Gagnon lists two other players as dark horse candidates for the CPOY award. The first is Sam Darnold, who is now with the Minnesota Vikings. Everyone is penciling in JJ McCarthy as the starter, but he is a very raw prospect. If head coach Kevin O’Connell deems the former Michigan quarterback not ready, Darnold could see some action. With Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, TJ Hockenson, and Aaron Jones, there is no shortage of weapons on the offense.
The other candidate is Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray. He missed most of last year recovering from an ACL injury. If he can stay healthy this year, he could be in a position to win the award. He has a new weapon in Marvin Harrison Jr., who many are crowning as a generational talent. If the rapport between him and Kyler Murray grows quickly, there could be more than one award winner on the Cardinals this year.
The Pittsburgh Steelers hope whoever is under center can make the offense look better than last year. While the defense has game-wrecking pieces, that means nothing if the offense can’t move the ball. The quarterback battle will be one to watch in training camp. If Justin Fields looks clearly better, there may be some pressure to put him under center in week 1.
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