Twenty years ago, Ben Roethlisberger burst onto the NFL scene as a rookie quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers. In a remarkable debut season, Roethlisberger won all 12 of his regular-season starts, guided by a dominating defense that complemented his burgeoning talent. Fast forward to the present, and the Steelers find themselves at the start of what could be another significant chapter in their storied history, with Justin Fields leading the charge.
Fields Revives Steelers' Winning Ways
Justin Fields has ignited hopes of a triumphant return to form for the Steelers, achieving the franchise's first 2-0 start since 2020. Displaying composure and efficiency, Fields completed nearly 70% of his passes in recent games and, notably, has committed no turnovers in either contest. This level of precision and ball security has been lauded by Roethlisberger, who has a keen eye on the burgeoning talent.
"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 commented, reflecting on Fields' performance. His words carry significant weight, given his own experience and success in the league.
Victories on the Road
The Steelers' recent victories came on the road against Atlanta and Denver, where the offense managed 18 and 13 points, respectively. While those numbers might not light up the scoreboard, the importance of these victories cannot be overstated.
In Atlanta, kicker Chris Boswell contributed significantly, making six field goals to secure the Steelers' win. These hard-fought battles have underscored the importance of every player’s role, echoing Roethlisberger’s 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," he reflected.
Fields' Zero-Turnover Performance Impresses
Amid tough competitions, Fields' ball security has been impeccable, earning praise. "Would you like to see 400 yards and three touchdowns and one rushing touchdown? Of course, you would. 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," Roethlisberger remarked, emphasizing that wins and minimizing turnovers are the true measures of a quarterback's success.
The Steelers' defense played a critical role in these wins, drawing a parallel to the unit that supported Roethlisberger in his rookie year. It's a recipe that has proven successful for Pittsburgh: a balanced team effort where defense fortifies the offense's efforts.
A Look Back and Forward
There are echoes of Roethlisberger's historic rookie season in 2004 when the Steelers set an AFC record with 15 wins before falling to the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game. That season saw Roethlisberger step up after Tommy Maddox was injured in Week 2, much like Fields is doing now for the Steelers.
Reflecting on his own career, Roethlisberger shared advice rooted in his experience: "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."
Current circumstances parallel some aspects of Roethlisberger's early years, although Fields’ journey is still unfolding. Russell Wilson's calf injury, aggravated two weeks ago, harks back to the injuries and adversities that can shift the dynamics of a season.
Next Steps for Fields and the Steelers
The Steelers’ faithful will be watching closely as Fields continues to develop his leadership on the field. With a nod from Roethlisberger and a supportive team working in harmony, this season holds potential. As Roethlisberger put it succinctly, "Once you get into a rhythm and you get good things going, you don't want to mess that up... and I think they're building."
While the days of Roethlisberger hoisting the Lombardi Trophy may be in the past, his keen observations and supportive words for Fields suggest that the baton has been passed with confidence. This season, the Steelers’ story continues, with Justin Fields writing the latest chapter in Pittsburgh's illustrious football saga.