The decision on who will start as quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers has become a focal point of debate, although seasoned coaches Bill Cowher and Bill Belichick suggest the choice may not be as challenging as it appears to outsiders. At the center of this competition, Russell Wilson has maintained a clear edge over Justin Fields, yet neither quarterback has led a successful drive culminating in a touchdown during preseason play.
The Quarterback Dilemma
Bill Cowher, with his extensive coaching experience, advocates starting the season with Wilson. He suggests utilizing Fields in specific packages to spark the offense when necessary. According to Cowher, “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.”
Bill Belichick also acknowledges Russell Wilson's capabilities, particularly outside the pocket, and the potential for play-action success with Wilson at the helm. He emphasizes the importance of the running game, remarking, “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 passes.”
Offensive Line Struggles
The offensive line has been identified as a major factor in the quarterbacks' underwhelming performance. Belichick highlights this issue, pointing out the lack of consistency across the line, worsened by the absence of key offensive line player Troy Fautanu, who has been sidelined due to injury. “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,” Belichick elaborated.
Key Players and Potential
While Fautanu's return for Week 1 offers a glimmer of hope, the line's performance remains a significant concern. Zach Frazier, a rookie center showing promise, still requires time to develop into a consistent contributor. Newcomer Zach Frazier, though promising, highlights the inexperience within the squad. Rookie Mason McCormick also exemplifies potential but needs more experience to make a significant impact this season.
This is not an unfamiliar situation for the Steelers. The team faced a similar quarterback dilemma back in 1996 when Mike Tomczak started over Kordell Stewart. Tomczak led the Steelers to a 10-6 record but fell in the divisional round of the playoffs. The current Steelers coach, Mike Tomlin, seems set on continuing with Russell Wilson as the starting quarterback, a choice likely influenced by expert opinions that emphasize the importance of a solid offensive line to the quarterback’s success.
Focus on Offensive Line Improvement
The experts agree: resolving issues with the offensive line is crucial. It's not just about individual performances but ensuring the line as a whole can protect the quarterback and support a productive running game. Whether it's Fautanu returning strong or rookies like Frazier stepping up, the onus lies heavily on the offensive line to solidify and perform consistently.
As the Steelers gear up for the season, the interplay between quarterback decisions and offensive line performance will be critical. The debate over Wilson versus Fields may dominate headlines, but Belichick and Cowher’s insights underline that the foundation of the team's success rests largely on the efficiency and reliability of their offensive line.