As the Pittsburgh Steelers inch closer to the start of the NFL season, the key deliberation in their camp revolves around selecting the starting quarterback. The decision of whether Russell Wilson or Justin Fields should take the helm has many weighing in, but seasoned coaches Bill Cowher and Bill Belichick believe the choice might be simpler than it seems to the outside world.
Quarterback Quandary
Russell Wilson, a seasoned veteran, has maintained his edge over Justin Fields throughout the quarterback race. Neither quarterback has successfully led a touchdown drive during preseason, a statistic that might concern some fans. However, the root of this inefficiency can be traced back to subpar performances by the offensive line rather than the quarterbacks themselves.
Bill Cowher has a clear stance on the matter, stating, “You start the season with Russell. If Justin Fields starts as the second guy, have a package of plays. If all of a sudden you need a spark -- something to get your offense going again -- put [Fields] in. If you have to take Russell out, he’s been there before. It’s not going to destroy his confidence. I don’t want to start Justin Fields and then feel like I have to make a change and take him out. Limit the expectations on Justin Fields. Let him be Justin Fields.”
Offensive Line Woes
The inefficacies of the Steelers’ offensive drives are largely due to the offensive line’s struggles, compounded by the injury of key player Troy Fautanu. Fautanu, who has been sidelined for over a week, is expected to return for Week 1, which could provide a much-needed boost to the unit.
Belichick emphasizes the offensive line’s challenges, noting, “I think they have bigger problems than the quarterback position. That’s my opinion. I think that the defense is a pretty solid unit. The offensive line had a hard time being consistent. They lost the tackle [Troy Fautanu]. Now they’ve got [Broderick] Jones over there playing right tackle. Dan [Moore Jr.] is playing left tackle. Inside they have a rookie center, [Zach] Frazier. He’s got a way to go. The guards, they’ve had some issues, too, in the first two preseason games.”
Indeed, the Steelers' offensive line is a mix of youth and experience. Zach Frazier, the rookie center, shows great promise but requires more seasoning. Rookie guard Mason McCormick also holds potential but is not yet ready to make a significant impact. Broderick Jones slots in at right tackle, while Dan Moore Jr. handles duties at left tackle. The continuity and collective performance of this group will be critical for the season’s success.
Coaching Perspective
Mike Tomlin, the current Steelers coach, appears to be leaning toward keeping Russell Wilson as the starting quarterback. This decision aligns with the strategic views of Bill Belichick, who stresses the importance of leveraging Wilson’s strengths while also revamping the running game. “Arthur [Smith] is a great fit for that offense -- for what Coach Tomlin wants. They need to get the running game going. They have good backs. They need to get those backs started. Russell's good out of the pocket. He’ll be able to hit those play action and passes,” says Belichick.
Historical Context
The Steelers have faced quarterback dilemmas in the past, most notably in 1996 when Mike Tomczak started over Kordell Stewart. Tomczak led the team to a 10-6 record, although they eventually fell in the divisional round of the playoffs. This history adds a layer of context to the current situation, suggesting that a calculated decision at quarterback, coupled with a robust offensive line, can distinctly impact the season’s outcome.
Looking Ahead
As the regular season approaches, the consensus among experts is clear: resolving the offensive line’s issues is paramount for the quarterback, whoever that may be, to thrive. The offensive line’s ability to protect the quarterback and facilitate a productive running game is essential for the Steelers' success. With Fautanu’s anticipated return and the potential growth of young linemen, there is cautious optimism within the Steelers' camp.
In sum, while the quarterback debate garners much attention, the underlying challenge for the Steelers remains solidifying their offensive line. As Cowher aptly puts it, managing expectations and leveraging the strengths of both Wilson and Fields might be the recipe for steady and impactful performance as the season unfolds.