The Pittsburgh Steelers are at a critical juncture as they deliberate on who should assume the starting quarterback position for the upcoming NFL season. The debate centers around the experienced Russell Wilson and the promising young talent, Justin Fields. The team's seasoned coaches, Bill Cowher and Bill Belichick, however, seem to view the decision with a clarity that might elude the untrained eye.
Russell Wilson has held a consistent edge over Fields during the preseason, yet neither quarterback has managed to lead a drive resulting in a touchdown thus far. The lackluster performance of the offensive line has been a significant factor in their struggles. With key offensive line player Troy Fautanu sidelined due to injury, the line's effectiveness has been compromised. Nevertheless, Fautanu is expected to return in time for Week 1, which could bolster the line's performance.
Offensive Line Woes
The inefficiencies along the offensive front cannot be understated. Bill Belichick candidly pointed out, “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.”
The presence of rookie center Zach Frazier, while promising, might add another layer of complexity to the offensive line's dynamics. Similarly, rookie Mason McCormick is recognized as a player with potential but is still in need of more experience to make a significant impact this season.
Coaching Insights
Bill Cowher offered a strategic perspective on managing the quarterback situation, “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.”
The wisdom in Cowher's approach lies in maintaining team dynamics and ensuring that both quarterbacks are utilized to their strengths without undue pressure, particularly on the younger Fields.
Running Game Is Key
A critical element of the Steelers' offensive strategy this season will be establishing a formidable running game. Bill Belichick emphasized the importance of this aspect, stating, “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.”
With a robust running game, the pressure on Wilson and Fields could be alleviated, affording them more time and space to operate effectively. The synergy between a strong running attack and an offensive line capable of both protection and efficient blocking cannot be underestimated for the Steelers' success this season.
Looking Back to Move Forward
The Steelers' current head coach, Mike Tomlin, is no stranger to quarterback controversies. In 1996, the Steelers opted for Mike Tomczak over Kordell Stewart as the starting quarterback, a decision that led the team to a 10-6 record. Though Tomczak's team eventually fell in the divisional round of the playoffs, the experience highlighted the importance of strategic quarterback management.
As the Steelers move forward with Russell Wilson as their starting quarterback, as confirmed by Tomlin, the focus will be on resolving the issues with the offensive line. Experts agree this will be paramount for the team’s overall success. The offensive line's ability to protect their quarterback and facilitate a productive running game is crucial to the Steelers’ fortunes this season.
As Week 1 approaches, the anticipation builds. Will the Steelers find the right combination of players and strategies to overcome their challenges? Only time will tell, but with seasoned coaches and a mix of veteran and young talent, the potential for a successful season remains within reach. The resilience and adaptability of the coaching staff and players will ultimately determine how this season unfolds for the Pittsburgh Steelers.