The Pittsburgh Steelers are currently embroiled in a significant decision regarding who should start as their quarterback. While the debate may seem intense to outsiders, seasoned coaches Bill Cowher and Bill Belichick suggest the choice might be simpler than it appears.
The Quarterback Conundrum
At the heart of the team's quarterback discussion is the duel between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. To date, Wilson has maintained his edge over Fields, even though neither quarterback has led a successful touchdown drive during preseason play. Much of this inefficiency can be blamed on subpar performance by the offensive line.
In a recent interview, Bill Cowher weighed in on the 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.”
Struggles on the Offensive Line
A considerable amount of blame for the Steelers' preseason struggles lies with the offensive line. Troy Fautanu's injury has undoubtedly hindered the line's efficacy, but his expected return in Week 1 is cause for optimism. His absence over the past week has forced the team to make some adjustments, including positioning Broderick Jones at right tackle and Dan Moore Jr. at left tackle. Rookie center Zach Frazier shows promise, but still has a lot to learn.
Bill Belichick succinctly summarized the dilemma: "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 Role of the Running Game
The lackluster performance of the offensive line has also affected the running game, another critical area for the Steelers. Belichick highlighted the importance of getting the running game on track: “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.”
Looking Back for Guidance
As Steelers fans reminisce about the past, it's worth noting that Pittsburgh has faced quarterback quandaries before. In 1996, Mike Tomczak started over Kordell Stewart, guiding the team to a 10-6 record and a divisional-round playoff appearance. Coach Mike Tomlin, continuing with Russell Wilson as the starting quarterback, can perhaps draw inspiration from Tomczak’s success.
The Path Forward
Experts widely agree that resolving the issues plaguing the offensive line is crucial for any quarterback's success. Fixing the line will not only provide better protection for the quarterback but also revitalize the running game, which is essential for the Steelers' overall success. Newcomer Zach Frazier shows immense promise as a starting center, and while rookie Mason McCormick also holds potential, he will need more experience to make a significant impact this season.
In the end, the Pittsburgh Steelers' success hinges not just on choosing the right quarterback but also on addressing the underlying issues with their offensive line. The upcoming season promises to be challenging, but with strategic adjustments and focused improvements, the Steelers can navigate their way to a strong start. The fans and critics alike will be keenly observing how Coach Tomlin and his squad tackle these pivotal weeks ahead.