ATLANTA – In a debut he didn’t expect, Justin Fields made his first regular-season start as quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, just 30 miles from his hometown. With starting quarterback Russell Wilson sidelined due to a calf injury, Fields stepped in and led the Steelers to an 18-10 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, thanks to six field goals from kicker Chris Boswell, tying a franchise record.
Despite the offense failing to score a touchdown, Fields remained upbeat. “Personally, it’s great,” Fields said after the game. “I have a bunch of family and friends here. Coming back home, getting a win against the hometown team — I couldn’t have asked for a better setting.”
Fields, who completed 17 of 23 passes for 156 yards, made it clear that his focus was solely on winning. “I didn’t care about the stats. I just wanted to get the win,” he said. His performance included several key throws, including a 40-yard completion to George Pickens, but also highlighted his mobility, with Fields rushing for 57 yards on 14 carries.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin praised Fields for his resilience and steady demeanor in the unexpected start. “He’s not overly talkative, but he’s steady and strong,” Tomlin said. “When things get tough, his calmness shows, and that reflects in his play.”
The start wasn’t without its challenges. Fields fumbled on the first snap of the game and missed a few early throws, but he quickly settled in. “We definitely got off to a slow start,” Fields admitted, “but once we got going, things fell into place.”
The Steelers trailed 10-9 at halftime, with Fields completing 11-of-13 passes for 83 yards. His ability to run the ball, combined with short throws and strong defense, helped the Steelers control the game in the second half.
Fields’ debut performance, while not spectacular on the stat sheet, showcased his ability to manage the game and make key plays when necessary. As Russell Wilson continues to recover, Fields may get another opportunity to start. However, Fields is taking it one game at a time. “I’m not worried about what happens next. I’m just happy we got the win today,” he said.
The Steelers’ victory over the Falcons gives them momentum heading into Week 2, where they’ll face the Denver Broncos.