Twenty years ago, Ben Roethlisberger embarked on his journey as a rookie quarterback with the Pittsburgh Steelers, showcasing an extraordinary talent that took the NFL by storm. Roethlisberger's inaugural season was nothing short of sensational, as he triumphed in all 12 of his regular-season starts. Complemented by a formidable defense, his leadership paved the way for a season to remember.
Fast forward to today, the Steelers are making headlines once again, driven by another rising star at quarterbackâJustin Fields. Under Fields' command, Pittsburgh has achieved its first 2-0 start since 2020. Fields has demonstrated exceptional accuracy, completing nearly 70% of his passes in the initial games, all while steering clear of turnovers. His efficient play was instrumental in securing road victories against Atlanta and Denver, despite the offense managing only 18 points in Atlanta and 13 in Denver. Special teams also played a crucial role, with Chris Boswell contributing six critical field goals in the Atlanta matchup.
The Steelers' defense, reminiscent of the Roethlisberger era, has been a cornerstone in their recent success. Fields, embracing the guidance and legacy set by his predecessor, has shown poise and maturity beyond his years. Reflecting on the current state of the team, Roethlisberger lauded Fields' performance, stating, "He's been efficient. He's been good with the ball. So I think you've got to stay with him, I really do, and see what happens."
Confidence in the Young Quarterback
Roethlisberger's confidence in Fields is evident. Drawing parallels to his own rookie season, he emphasized the importance of rhythm and continuity within the team. "Once you get into a rhythm and you get good things going, you don't want to mess that up. Let's not mess up the rhythm of the team and what's going on, and I think they're building," commented Roethlisberger.
This perspective is rooted in personal experience. Roethlisberger himself became the youngest starting quarterback to win the Super Bowl, a testament to the potential of young quarterbacks in the NFL. His journey began under the mentorship of head coach Bill Cowher in 2004, a season marked by an AFC record 15 wins, although the Steelers ultimately fell to the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game.
A Focus on Winning
Roethlisberger's advice to Fields extends beyond mere technicalities. He underscores the significance of winning above all else. "I would tell him, the only stat that matters is a W and the turnovers. You're winning the turnover battle, and you're winning. Don't worry about what people are saying in terms of yards, in terms of touchdowns, in terms of all that. You're winning. At the end of the day, as a quarterback, that's what you want," Roethlisberger asserted.
This philosophy was mirrored in Roethlisberger's own career. He recounted, "I didn't always put up big numbers, but I prided myself in getting wins, and that's what you're supposed to do. As a quarterback, you're supposed to win football games by any means necessary." Fields appears to have internalized this mantra, focusing on meticulous ball handling and making pivotal plays, sometimes out of seemingly impossible situations.
Overcoming Adversity
The beginning of the season hasn't been without challenges. Russell Wilson's calf injury, initially sustained during the eve of training camp and aggravated two weeks ago, has added an element of complexity to the competition. Despite this, Roethlisberger advocates for continuity in leadership. "If Russ is healthy, I'm sticking with Justin. I think that he has earned, deserves the right to stay there," he remarked, underscoring his faith in the young quarterback's capabilities.
Fields' early accomplishments have stirred a sense of optimism within the Steelers' camp. Carrying forward the legacy of resilience and determination exemplified by Roethlisberger, Fields has positioned himself as a key figure in Pittsburgh's quest for success this season. As the season progresses, Steelers fans can look forward to witnessing the continued growth and evolution of their promising quarterback, Justin Fields, following in the impressive footsteps of Ben Roethlisberger.