The Pittsburgh Steelers are considering using their new quarterback, Justin Fields, in a unique role as a kickoff returner under the NFL’s revamped kickoff rules. Running back Jaylen Warren revealed this potential strategy on a recent podcast, where he discussed the surprise of the Steelers when special teams coordinator Danny Smith suggested using Fields in this unconventional manner. The new rules, approved by the league in March, involve kicking the ball from the 35-yard line and having the rest of the coverage team line up at the 40-yard line, allowing for potential big runbacks and reducing high-speed collisions. Fields’ impressive speed, with a 40-yard dash clocked at 4.44 seconds, makes him a valuable asset in this new kickoff setup.
Previously, kickoffs involved the kicking team booting from their own 35-yard line while the receiving blockers protected against an onside kick. Once the ball was kicked deep, both teams sprinted towards the end zone, resulting in high-speed collisions between coverage and return teams. The new rules aim to create more open field opportunities for returners while maintaining player safety by allowing blocking to begin immediately upon the returner catching the ball. Warren expressed his interest in running kickoffs back this year and acknowledged the excitement and action that comes with touching the ball and starting a play.
Fields was traded to Pittsburgh from Chicago in March, clearing the way for the Bears to select USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft. Fields had a 10-28 record over three seasons in Chicago, throwing for 6,674 yards and 40 touchdowns while adding 2,220 yards and 14 scores on the ground. His arrival in Pittsburgh brings potential for a fresh start and a new role as a kickoff returner, utilizing his speed and athleticism to make an impact on special teams. The Steelers are looking to maximize Fields’ talents and find innovative ways to use him on the field to benefit the team.
The possibility of Fields returning kickoffs adds an element of excitement and unpredictability to the Steelers’ special teams unit. His speed and agility give the team a dynamic threat in the open field, potentially leading to explosive plays on kick returns. As teams adjust to the new kickoff rules, having a versatile player like Fields to exploit the space and opportunities created by the changes could give the Steelers an edge on special teams. The unconventional use of a quarterback as a kickoff returner demonstrates the Steelers’ willingness to think outside the box and explore creative strategies to capitalize on the new rules and enhance their team’s performance.
While the idea of using Fields as a kickoff returner may seem unorthodox, it speaks to the Steelers’ willingness to innovate and adapt to changes in the game. With the NFL’s revamped kickoff rules offering new possibilities for returners to make big plays, the Steelers are thinking strategically about how to leverage Fields’ speed and athleticism in this role. By incorporating Fields into special teams in addition to his duties as a quarterback, the Steelers are looking to maximize his impact on the team and create opportunities for him to showcase his talents in multiple facets of the game. As the new season approaches, it will be interesting to see how the Steelers utilize Fields in this unique role and how it influences their overall performance on special teams.
