Fields uses his feet to improve his accuracy

When the Steelers acquired quarterback Justin Fields via trade from the Chicago Bears this offseason, it was with the idea that they could potentially fix some flaws in his footwork to make him a more effective passer.

The results after two weeks of training are positive.

Fields looked much more accurate than a quarterback who completed just 60.3 percent of his passes in his first three NFL seasons with the Bears.

“He’s just focused on his footwork in the pocket, his body balance, his stance in the throw, that was something he was emphasizing going into the offseason, and I’ve just seen the fruits of that labor, or the attention he’s given to it,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said.

Fields will have a chance to demonstrate that in Friday night’s preseason opener against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium.

One might wonder how a quarterback who completed 68.4 percent of his passes in college, including 70.2 percent in his final season at Ohio State, could have had accuracy issues in the NFL.

The problem was perhaps twofold.

First, Fields’ receivers at Ohio State were Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Jameson Williams. All were first-round picks in the NFL Draft. They also had a great offensive line.

His guys were simply better than the defensive backs and pass rushers they were working against.

But also, because Chicago’s receivers were disappointing in Fields’ first two NFL seasons, he may have become too reliant on his legs. In his final season at Ohio State, Fields averaged fewer than 50 yards rushing per game.

He could run, but he didn’t need to run.