As the Pittsburgh Steelers gear up for the upcoming NFL season, the team's choice of starting quarterback remains a topic of intense discussion. The debate centers on whether to start the experienced Russell Wilson or give the emerging Justin Fields a chance to lead the offense. However, according to seasoned coaches like Bill Cowher and Bill Belichick, the decision might not be as tough as it appears to outsiders.
Quarterback Dilemma
Both Cowher and Belichick have expressed their insights into 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," recommends Bill Cowher. He further explains, "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." This pragmatic approach underlines the importance of managing the young quarterback's development while leveraging Wilson's experience.
Bigger Problems Than the Quarterback
Bill Belichick, known for his strategic acumen, believes the Steelers' issues extend beyond the quarterback position. "I think they have bigger problems than the quarterback position. That’s my opinion," he asserts. "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."
Offensive Line Challenges
The struggles of the offensive line have notably impacted the team’s ability to execute plays effectively. Neither Wilson nor Fields has led a drive that culminated in a touchdown during preseason play, largely due to substandard offensive line performance. Key player Troy Fautanu has been sidelined due to injury, although he is expected to return for Week 1. With promising newcomer Zach Frazier at center and Broderick Jones taking on the right tackle position, the line is still searching for consistency. Rookie Mason McCormick holds potential but needs more experience to make a significant impact this season.
Strategic Adjustments
Belichick points out the need for strategic adjustments to complement the quarterback's skills. "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."
Current Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, continuing with Russell Wilson as the starting quarterback, faces the challenge of optimizing the team’s offensive capabilities while addressing the weak spots in the lineup. Experts agree that resolving issues with the offensive line is crucial for the quarterback's success. The offensive line's ability to protect their quarterback and facilitate a productive running game is paramount for the Steelers' success.
Historical Perspective
Reflecting on past decisions, the team has faced similar quarterback dilemmas. In 1996, Mike Tomczak started over Kordell Stewart and led the team to a 10-6 record, although they fell in the divisional round of the playoffs. This historical context shows that the team's approach to quarterback selection has long been a strategic focal point.
For now, all eyes are on the performance of the offensive line and whether the team can quickly adapt to the challenges ahead. The Steelers’ ability to protect their quarterback and establish a reliable running game will be critical in determining their success this season. With seasoned strategies from coaches like Cowher and Belichick, and a talented roster, the Steelers have the tools to turn their potential into performance.