The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves at a pivotal moment as they deliberate on who should take the reins as quarterback for the upcoming season. Amidst the debate, seasoned coaches Bill Cowher and Bill Belichick offer their perspectives, suggesting that the decision might not be as complex as it appears to outsiders. For them, Russell Wilson is the clear frontrunner over Justin Fields.
“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,” Cowher stated, encapsulating the strategic reasoning behind his stance.
Bill Belichick echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the advantages Russell Wilson brings to the field, particularly in an offense engineered by Coach Mike Tomlin. “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,” Belichick remarked.
However, the quarterback conundrum is just a part of a broader set of challenges facing the Steelers. Neither Wilson nor Fields has managed to lead a drive culminating in a touchdown during preseason play. This inefficiency is not solely on the quarterbacks' shoulders but is largely due to the subpar performance of the offensive line. The line’s inconsistency has been a significant impediment, with critical player Troy Fautanu sidelined due to injury.
Belichick elaborated on this, pointing out, “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.”
Fautanu's absence has indeed been felt, leaving a gap that rookie Zach Frazier is still adjusting to fill. Frazier, showing promise as a center, is distinguished as a rookie who will need time and experience to reach his full potential. Newcomer Zach Frazier, alongside more seasoned players like Broderick Jones and Dan Moore Jr., is striving to bolster a line that desperately needs to facilitate both a strong running game and robust pass protection for their quarterback.
The return of Troy Fautanu, expected by Week 1, is anticipated to bring some much-needed stability to the offensive line. His comeback could potentially transform the line's dynamics, giving it the resilience it lacked during his absence. The offensive line’s ability to protect their quarterback and facilitate a productive running game will be instrumental to the Steelers' success this season.
Adding another dimension to the team’s outlook, rookie Mason McCormick has shown potential, but like Frazier, he requires more time and experience before he can make a significant impact. His development will be pivotal in the long-term strengthening of the line.
Reflecting on historical team decisions, Mike Tomczak's start over Kordell Stewart in 1996 comes to mind. Tomczak led the team to a 10-6 record that season, only to fall in the divisional round of the playoffs. Current Steelers coach Mike Tomlin continues with Russell Wilson as the starting quarterback, a move that experts view as sound.
The consensus among experts is clear: resolving issues with the offensive line is crucial for the Steelers’ quarterbacks to thrive. The synergy between the quarterback and the offensive line cannot be overstated. It's an intricate dance of protection and precision that fuels the team’s offensive engine. For Pittsburgh, getting this balance right is not just critical; it’s paramount.