Twenty years ago, Ben Roethlisberger began an illustrious career with the Pittsburgh Steelers as a rookie quarterback, a journey marked by a remarkable sequence of successes. Fast forward to today, and the Steelers find themselves in another captivating storyline, led by Justin Fields, who is drawing comparisons to Roethlisberger's impactful rookie season.
Reminiscing Roethlisberger's Rookie Season
In 2004, Roethlisberger was thrust into the starting quarterback role after Tommy Maddox suffered an injury in Week 2. Roethlisberger's entry marked a pivotal moment for the Steelers, as he guided them to an AFC record of 15 wins that season. His undefeated 12-0 regular season start, combined with the formidable Steelers defense, spurred a deep playoff run that ended in the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots.
Reflecting on his career, Roethlisberger holds a distinction that sets him apart: he remains the youngest starting quarterback to win a Super Bowl. This achievement encapsulates the blend of skill and resilience he brought to the field, a blend that Steelers fans are starting to see in Justin Fields.
Justin Fields’ Commanding Start
Fields currently leads the Steelers to their first 2-0 start since 2020. His performance exudes efficiency, with nearly 70% of his passes completed, and he has shown remarkable poise by not committing a single turnover in his two starts. Fields’ ability to protect the football and manage the game draws praise, especially from Roethlisberger himself.
"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," Roethlisberger remarked. He added, "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."
Defensive Dominance and Offensive Struggles
Complementing Fields’ performances, the Steelers' defense has been a crucial component of their early successes. They have stifled opponents and provided a solid foundation for their victories, echoing the defensive strength that characterized Roethlisberger's own rookie year.
However, the offense has faced its share of challenges. In their recent games, the Steelers managed just 18 points against Atlanta and 13 against Denver. Special teams shone through, particularly Chris Boswell, whose six field goals in Atlanta were instrumental to their win.
Fields Garners Roethlisberger's Support
Roethlisberger's endorsement of Fields is significant, highlighting the trust placed in the young quarterback. In a candid expression of support, Roethlisberger stated, "If Russ is healthy, I'm sticking with Justin. I think that he has earned, deserves the right to stay there." This confidence is buoyed by Fields’ composure under pressure and his judicious decision-making.
"Would you like to see 400 yards and three touchdowns and one rushing touchdown? Of course, you would. But you know what else you're going to be happy with? You'll be happy with a guy right now that wasn't even really supposed to probably start this year, going 2-0, taking care of the football, making plays, sometimes out of nothing when guys are getting in," Roethlisberger explained, underscoring the importance of winning over individual statistics.
Beyond the Numbers
Roethlisberger’s insights reinforce a critical philosophy in football: the paramount importance of winning. He shared, "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."
This mindset not only highlights Roethlisberger's own approach to the game but also serves as invaluable advice for Fields. "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," Roethlisberger concluded.
As Fields continues to lead the Steelers, it remains to be seen if he can replicate the kind of success Roethlisberger achieved two decades ago. What is apparent is the growing belief in his capabilities, aided by a strong defense and a no-nonsense approach to managing games. For the Steelers and their fans, this season embodies a blend of nostalgia and hopeful anticipation as they witness the unfolding journey of their new quarterback.