Steelers have found their QB of the future in Justin Fields

The Pittsburgh Steelers are 3-0 for only the second time since 2010 and have found their quarterback of the future.

The Steelers defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 20-10 in their first home game. And while it didn't start out pretty, the Steelers offense found its stride in the second half and pulled away for a win that should put to rest any doubts about who their quarterback will be in the future.

Justin Fields had his best game as a Steeler against the best defense in football in terms of EPA and points allowed. After two three-and-outs, Fields led the Steelers on a 13-play, 70-yard touchdown drive that culminated with his first rushing score as a Steeler. Fields also displayed excellent ball placement and decision-making throughout the game. He threw a ball on target to Pat Freiermuth over the middle that should have been a bullseye, but it was dropped. Fortunately, later in the game, he threw a tight pass over the middle again to Calvin Austin, who carried the ball 55 yards for the game-winning touchdown. Overall, Fields completed 25 of 32 passes for 245 yards and two touchdowns, with one interception that came off a batted ball.

He has won seven of his last nine games as a starter, leading the Steelers to a 3-0 record to begin the year. On top of that, he replenished a lackluster group around him today. The Steelers lost Van Jefferson to an eye injury and were down to three receivers. Fields found the likes of Scotty Miller for two catches, including a 20-yard pass that set up Fields' rushing score to tie the score at 7-7. He connected with Cordarrelle Patterson three times, giving Calvin Austin the best game of his career. But that didn't stop George Pickens (five catches, 57 yards) or Freiermuth (four catches, 33 yards). He distributed the ball, although he didn't have many targets to distribute to, as eight different Steelers had catches today.

If there were any questions left, they were answered: Fields is the man for the future.

Now let's talk about that defense – what an adjustment in the second half. The Chargers ran the ball consistently against the Steelers in the first half. They had a five-play touchdown drive where they marched down the field and scored on a 27-yard touchdown pass from Justin Herbert to Quentin Johnston, and a 12-play, 60-yard drive that ended in a field goal. The Steelers slammed it in the second half, though, allowing -5 yards on offense. Yes, you and I had more yards in the second half than the Chargers.

We'll talk more about individual performances in Varisty & JV tomorrow, but Nick Herbig deserves a standing ovation. I said earlier this season that he is better than Alex Highsmith and he continues to show it with two sacks, one of them a strip sack. And of course the best player in football, TJ Watt, got the first sack on rookie sensation Joe Alt. This defense came out swinging in the second half and showed that they are indeed the best defense in football.

Despite not being great over the last three games, today we saw the offense thrive in its toughest challenge yet, and we saw a quarterback rise to the occasion and play his best game against this defense. The Steelers aren't just a plucky wildcard team – this is a team with a legit quarterback that can make a splash in the playoffs.