In what can be considered as my initial in-season Tuesday notes for the 2024 NFL regular season, there is an urgent plea to also take a look at The Breer Report on YouTube each Tuesday to get a comprehensive recap of the week’s games. Let’s delve into the latest developments in the world of American football…
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin revealed on Tuesday that the team is gearing up Justin Fields to take the starting quarterback position on Sunday in Denver. The anticipation within the organization is palpable as they look forward to witnessing how Fields will build on his performance from the previous week against Atlanta. Tomlin expressed his satisfaction with Fields’ progress, stating, “There are plenty of folks in the building excited to see how Fields builds on last week’s game against Atlanta because progress was there.”
Several factors influenced the coaching staff’s approach to the game. One major consideration was the necessity to protect an offensive line that had two new starters and a relatively inexperienced right tackle in Broderick Jones. As a result, the Steelers emphasized the running game, rushing the ball 41 times. Additionally, there was a strategic decision to avoid throwing passes into the middle of the field where Falcons’ standout safety Jessie Bates III was patrolling.
While Fields displayed some nerves on his first drive, he quickly settled into the game, showcasing efficiency and sound decision-making. His ability to manage the game effectively, coupled with a strong defensive performance from Pittsburgh, proved to be the winning formula for the Steelers. Tomlin commended Fields for his situational awareness, particularly in crucial moments at the end of the first half and the game, leading to an 18-10 road victory in his hometown.
In summary, Pittsburgh is confident in Fields’ abilities as a starter, setting the stage for a potential return by Russell Wilson once he recovers from his calf injury, with Tomlin emphasizing the need for consistent performance from the veteran quarterback upon his return.
In other NFL news, a standout statistic from Week 1 highlighted Buffalo Bills’ quarterback Josh Allen’s impressive display of versatility. Allen targeted an astounding 10 different receivers and completed passes to nine of them in the Bills’ thrilling 34-28 comeback win against a tough Arizona Cardinals squad. The star quarterback showcased efficiency, throwing for 232 yards, two touchdowns, and posting a stellar 137.7 passer rating without turning the ball over through interceptions (though he did lose a fumble).
As the 2024 NFL season unfolds, we can expect more thrilling moments and standout performances from the league’s top talents. Be sure to stay tuned for the latest updates and insights on the gridiron action.