Twenty years ago, Ben Roethlisberger burst onto the NFL scene as a rookie quarterback with the Pittsburgh Steelers, launching a storied career that would see him attain numerous accolades and secure his place in the annals of football history. In his rookie year, Roethlisberger won all 12 of his regular season starts, driven by a dominant defense and steady passing game. Bill Cowher, the head coach at the time, led the Steelers through an unforgettable 2004 season, which saw the team set an AFC record with 15 wins before falling to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game. Roethlisberger would eventually become the youngest starting quarterback to win a Super Bowl.
Fast forward to the present day and a new narrative is unfolding in Pittsburgh. Justin Fields, the Steelers' current quarterback, has stepped into the spotlight, guiding the team to its first 2-0 start since 2020. Fields' performances have been marked by efficiency and precision, completing nearly 70% of his passes in recent games. With road victories against the Atlanta Falcons and Denver Broncos, Fields has shown poise under pressure and a knack for making crucial plays without committing turnovers, a testament to his growing confidence and maturity.
While the Steelers managed 18 points against Atlanta and 13 against Denver, it was clear that their defense once again played an instrumental role in securing these wins. Chris Boswell contributed significantly by making six field goals in Atlanta, underscoring the importance of special teams in close contests. The defense also held firm, limiting scoring opportunities for their opponents and buying time for Fields to make plays when it mattered most.
Russell Wilson's recent injury woes have added an extra layer of complexity to the quarterback landscape in the NFL. Wilson aggravated his calf injury two weeks ago, an issue that first surfaced on the eve of training camp. This situation has afforded fields an extended opportunity to prove himself as a reliable starter for Pittsburgh, a chance he has seized with both hands.
Roethlisberger, reflecting on Fields' early season success, expressed his support and admiration for the young quarterback. "If Russ is healthy, I'm sticking with Justin. I think that he has earned, deserves the right to stay there," Roethlisberger stated. Praising Fields' efficiency and ball security, he added, "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's own experience as a young quarterback is evident in his advice for Fields. "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," he noted. He emphasized the importance of wins over personal statistics, drawing on his own career philosophy, "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' early season performances have shown a blend of skill and composure that bodes well for the Steelers. "Would you like to see 400 yards and three touchdowns and one rushing touchdown? Of course, you would," Roethlisberger conceded. "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."
For Fields, the focus remains clear: winning games and avoiding turnovers. "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 advised.
As the Steelers forge ahead this season, the early signs suggest Fields has the potential to emulate some of the successes of his predecessor. With a strong defense, reliable special teams, and a young quarterback eager to make his mark, Pittsburgh fans have reason to be optimistic. The journey is just beginning, but Justin Fields is already demonstrating the qualities needed to lead the Steelers to victory.