Bill Cowher wants Arthur Smith to open the offense for Justin Fields: 'Give him a chance to grow'

After a tough performance against the Dallas Cowboys in primetime Sunday Night Football in Week 5, Justin Fields now faces additional pressure on the road against the Las Vegas Raiders to begin Week 6.

Not only does he have to play well to stop a two-game losing streak, he also has to play well to potentially retain the starting spot for the Black and Gold as veteran quarterback Russell Wilson – who was named the starting quarterback earlier this season is finally healthy and will initially be active as No. 2 behind Fields this week.

After being free to play the first five weeks of the season, there is no added pressure with Wilson healthy and looking over his shoulder, eager to get on the field for the Steelers under head coach Mike Tomlin.

So Fields has to play well. For former Steelers head coach and Hall of Famer Bill Cowher, offensive coordinator Arthur Smith must help Fields by opening up the offense and giving the young quarterback a chance to grow and make plays.

During an appearance on NFL Today on CBS Sunday morning, Cowher said he would implore Smith to open up the offense to the young quarterback rather than being conservative and trying not to make mistakes and hurt the team.

“The last thing I would say, Arthur Smith, open up this offense,” Cowher said of Smith and the Steelers’ offense with Fields under center, according to video from CBS. “I think give him a chance to spread out on the field. Go empty, don't crowd. Use him now and give him a chance to develop as a quarterback.”

At times this season, Fields has lifted Fields' restrictions and let him play. In the second half of the game against the Indianapolis Colts, Smith opened the way for Fields as the Steelers needed to mount a comeback. Fields impressed, especially after an ugly fumble on a third down play where he missed a hot read and tried to make something happen with his legs.

After that mistake, Fields was a completely different quarterback – in a good way. He made some great throws, used his legs and made a number of plays for the Steelers, almost pushing them back to a comeback. But he hasn't had a chance to play like that since.

That was the case for most of the season. It's the way the Steelers want to play football: run the ball on offense, knock down some shots downfield, avoid mistakes and turnovers, and rely on defense to carry the load and win low-scoring games win.

This hasn't worked for the last two weeks. Fields put the Steelers in position to win Week 5 against Dallas with a late touchdown drive, but the defense didn't hold up its end of the game late in the game and gave up a touchdown on fourth down.

Now, heading into a crucial Week 6 matchup against the Raiders, a number of speakers are pushing for Smith and the Steelers to open up the offense and let Fields be Fields. It seems unlikely that will happen, especially considering the Steelers are on a two-game losing streak and need to get back on track in a tough game on the West Coast to face the Raiders in Sin City.

But it's certainly a great point from Cowher. With Wilson breathing down Fields' neck, the Steelers need to open the playbook for the young quarterback and find out what they have, good or bad. Let Fields play with confidence and let his talents take over, much like they did against the Colts.