BREAKING: Arthur Smith Explains Why Steelers Attempted Deep Third-Down Pass With Justin Fields
In a surprising turn of events, Arthur Smith, the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, addressed the media after a recent game where the Pittsburgh Steelers attempted a deep third-down pass to Justin Fields. While it wasn’t a conventional decision, Smith offered a clear rationale for the Steelers’ bold move during the crucial moment.
Fields, known for his ability to make explosive plays with both his arm and legs, was at the center of the play call, despite the high-risk nature of the deep pass. “We’ve seen a lot of tape on Justin,” Smith said. “He’s been under center for some of their most dynamic plays this season. What the Steelers were doing was recognizing an opportunity to stretch the defense in ways that were likely to pay off.”
The third-down attempt, which came in a tense part of the game, had many fans and analysts scratching their heads. The Steelers had been managing a moderate lead, and a more conservative approach seemed like the safer play. However, the decision to go for a long pass downfield appeared to be rooted in the Steelers’ growing confidence in Fields’ ability to execute big throws under pressure.
“Justin has this unique skill set,” Smith continued. “He can thread the needle on those deep balls, and he’s proven in situations like these that he’s got the poise to make something happen.” This reflects the growing belief in Fields’ deep ball accuracy and his improvisational style, which can both create explosive opportunities and, at times, lead to turnovers.
Though the deep pass didn’t connect, Smith noted that the play was a calculated risk. “Sometimes, even if you don’t hit on the deep ball, you’ve still achieved something,” he explained. “You stretch the defense, force them to cover more ground, and keep them guessing.”
The move also highlighted Pittsburgh’s strategy of trying to capitalize on Atlanta’s defensive weaknesses. The Falcons’ secondary had been susceptible to big plays, particularly on third downs, and the Steelers were hoping to exploit that vulnerability.
In hindsight, many analysts agree that while the decision seemed bold, it was an attempt to gain an edge, especially in a game that had become increasingly tight. Whether or not it paid off on the scoreboard, the Steelers’ confidence in Fields remains a key storyline going forward. The question now becomes whether they’ll continue to trust Fields in similar situations in future games.
The discussion surrounding the play continues to spark debate, but one thing is clear: Justin Fields is becoming a player who commands attention on every down.
