The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves at a crossroads as they deliberate over their starting quarterback for the upcoming season. While the decision might seem daunting to outsiders, seasoned coaches Bill Cowher and Bill Belichick find the situation less perplexing than one might think.
Currently, Russell Wilson holds the advantage in the quarterback race over Justin Fields. Both quarterbacks have struggled to lead their drives to touchdowns during the preseason, a shortcoming attributed mainly to the underwhelming performance of the offensive line. Despite these stumbles, the coaching minds at Pittsburgh remain optimistic about making the right choice for the team's leader on the field.
Leadership and Line Concerns
Coach Mike Tomlin appears set on starting the season with Wilson at the helm. This decision aligns with Bill Cowher's perspective, who advised, “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 underlying turmoil in the offensive line poses a significant concern. Key player Troy Fautanu has been sidelined due to injury but is expected to return in time for Week 1. In Fautanu's absence, the line has struggled to find consistency. Broderick Jones has taken over the right tackle position, with Dan Moore Jr. managing the left tackle duties. Rookie center Zach Frazier has shown promise yet still requires more experience to become a reliable anchor in the line.
Potential and Challenges
Belichick echoed similar sentiments about the linchpin role of the offensive line. “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.”
Offensive Strategy
Bill Belichick highlighted the importance of establishing a robust running game to aid the quarterback, mentioning, “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.”
One potential bright spot is the promising newcomer Zach Frazier, who has shown potential as Pittsburgh’s starting center. However, both he and rookie guard Mason McCormick need more time and experience to make a significant impact this season. The offensive line's efficiency and ability to create a protective pocket for the quarterback remain paramount for the Steelers' success.
Historical Perspective
The history of the Steelers also offers a lens through which to view the current dilemma. In 1996, Coach Bill Cowher faced a similar decision when Mike Tomczak started over Kordell Stewart. Tomczak managed to lead the team to a 10-6 record, although they fell in the divisional round of the playoffs. This historical echo suggests that challenging decisions about quarterback starts are not new to the franchise.
Ultimately, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ prospects hinge on more than just the selection of the starting quarterback. Experts agree that resolving the offensive line's issues is crucial. Their capacity to protect the quarterback and create a productive running game will be pivotal. As the season approaches, fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close watch on how Coach Mike Tomlin navigates these challenges and whether the team can rise up to its hoped-for potential.