The debate over who should start as the quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers rages on, but according to seasoned coaches Bill Cowher and Bill Belichick, the decision might not be as complex as it appears to the outside world. With preseason performances under scrutiny, Russell Wilson seems to have an edge over Justin Fields, despite neither having engineered a touchdown drive thus far. The bigger issue at play may well be an underperforming offensive line.
Coaches Weigh In
Bill Cowher, a former Steelers head coach, emphasized a strategic approach by suggesting, “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.”
Meanwhile, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick focused on how the offensive scheme could benefit from Wilson's strengths. “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 noted.
Offensive Line Challenges
However, both quarterbacks have faced substantial challenges due to the inefficiency of their drives, largely attributed to a substandard offensive line performance. Key offensive lineman Troy Fautanu has been sidelined due to injury but is expected to return for Week 1. This absence has forced adjustments, with Broderick Jones playing right tackle and Dan Moore Jr. on the left. Adding to the complexity, rookie center Zach Frazier, though promising, still has much to learn.
Belichick further elaborated on the 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.”
Historical Context and Current Strategy
Looking back, Steelers fans remember when Mike Tomczak started the 1996 season over Kordell Stewart, leading the team to a 10-6 record and a divisional round exit in the playoffs. Now, current Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin appears committed to Russell Wilson as his starting quarterback. This choice, however, places a spotlight squarely on the performance and health of the offensive line.
Experts assert that resolving the offensive line's issues is paramount for the quarterbacks' success. The line's ability to protect the quarterback and facilitate a productive running game will be crucial for the Steelers' overall performance this season. In the end, improving the offensive line's consistency could be the key to igniting the potential of both Wilson and Fields, ultimately steering the Steelers toward a successful campaign.