The Pittsburgh Steelers are currently in a crucial phase, deliberating over their starting quarterback as they gear up for the season. The experienced coaches Bill Cowher and Bill Belichick assert that, contrary to popular belief, the decision may not be as challenging internally as it appears to the outsiders.
Quarterback Contenders: Wilson vs. Fields
Russell Wilson has maintained a slight edge over Justin Fields in the quarterback race. However, it's worth noting that neither has successfully led a touchdown drive in preseason play, a scenario that raises questions about their efficiency. This inefficiency, as experts analyze, is less about their individual capabilities and more about the lackluster performance from the offensive line.
Bill Cowher, a seasoned voice in football, supports starting the season with Russell Wilson. He suggests, “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 Offensive Line Conundrum
A significant factor contributing to the quarterbacks' struggles is the subpar performance of the offensive line. Troy Fautanu, a key player in the line, has been sidelined due to injury but is expected to return for Week 1. In his absence, the line has struggled to protect the quarterbacks and establish a productive running game, crucial elements for any successful offensive strategy.
Bill Belichick highlights the broader issues, stating, “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 absence of Fautanu for over a week has forced the Steelers to shuffle their lineup. Broderick Jones is now handling duties at right tackle, while Dan Moore Jr. is stationed on the left. The rookie center, Zach Frazier, along with Mason McCormick, who also needs more experience, are working to anchor the line. Belichick remains steadfast in his belief that Arthur Smith is well suited to invigorate the offense under Coach Mike Tomlin's leadership. He emphasizes, “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.”
Historical Context and Future Prospects
The organizational memory of the Steelers includes strategic decisions like the one Coach Mike Tomlin faces today. In 1996, Mike Tomczak emerged as the starter over Kordell Stewart, leading the team to a 10-6 record and a run into the divisional round of the playoffs. This historical precedent provides a context in which Tomlin's current decision-making process unfolds.
Experts agree that resolving the offensive line issues is paramount for the quarterback's success. The line's capacity to protect the quarterback and facilitate a productive running game could be the defining factor for the Steelers this season. As the team works through its preseason and prepares for the official games, all eyes will be on how these elements come together to influence their performance.
In summary, the Steelers’ quest to solidify their starting quarterback role is intertwined with broader team dynamics, especially the performance and configuration of their offensive line. With Russell Wilson likely to start and the potential for Justin Fields to add a needed spark, the team’s prospects hinge on strategic coaching decisions and the health and performance of their players.