As the Pittsburgh Steelers approach the final stages of preseason, the debate surrounding the choice of starting quarterback has become a focal point. Despite external perceptions of a tough decision, seasoned coaches Bill Cowher and Bill Belichick seem to agree that the choice is clearer than many might think.
Quarterback Decisions Under Scrutiny
The contest between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields has been intense, with Wilson maintaining a slight edge in the competition. However, the performance of neither quarterback has dazzled during preseason. Neither Wilson nor Fields has managed to lead a drive to a touchdown, a shortcoming largely blamed on the underperformance of the offensive line.
Veteran coach Bill Cowher weighed in, recommending, “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.”
Offensive Line Woes
The inefficiency of the drives can be mainly attributed to the substandard performance of the offensive line. The sidelining of key player Troy Fautanu due to injury has been a significant blow. Fautanu has been out for over a week and is expected to return for Week 1, but the impact of his absence has been felt deeply.
Bill Belichick highlighted the broader issues affecting the Steelers, 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.”
New Faces and Potential
The offensive line is seeing new and promising talent, with rookie Zach Frazier starting as center and newcomer Zach Frazier holding great promise. On the other hand, rookie Mason McCormick, despite his potential, still needs more experience to make a significant impact this season. Broderick Jones and Dan Moore Jr. are currently filling in at right and left tackle, respectively.
This blending of seasoned and fresh talent could be pivotal for the Steelers, particularly in bolstering the offensive line, which has been shaky at best. Experts believe that resolving these issues is crucial for the success of whoever is named starting quarterback. The offensive line's ability to protect the quarterback and facilitate a productive running game is paramount for the team’s success.
Looking Back to Look Forward
The Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is continuing with Russell Wilson as the starting quarterback, a decision that harks back to the days when Mike Tomczak led the team. In 1996, Tomczak started over Kordell Stewart, leading the Steelers to a respectable 10-6 record, although the team fell in the divisional round of the playoffs. This historical example gives some context to Tomlin's current strategy, emphasizing stability and experience over untested potential.
Sustaining a functional and productive offensive line will be critical in the coming weeks. Bill Belichick remarked on the key to the offense's potential, stating, “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.”
With Week 1 on the horizon, the Steelers’ coaching staff and fans alike will be closely monitoring the health and performance of their offensive line, which will undeniably play a decisive role in the team’s overall success this season. While Russell Wilson appears to be the frontrunner for the starting quarterback role, much will depend on the protection and support offered by his line. As the Steelers iron out these crucial details, the upcoming season promises to be one of both challenge and opportunity.