The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering a critical phase as they deliberate over who should start as quarterback. The decision, which might appear daunting to outsiders, seems less complicated to seasoned coaches Bill Cowher and Bill Belichick. With preseason performances offering a glimpse into the team’s potential, the spotlight is squarely on Russell Wilson and Justin Fields.
Quarterback Dilemma
Bill Cowher has articulated a strategy that many believe could ease the quarterback transition. "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 advised.
Mike Tomlin, the current Steelers coach, appears to be leaning towards this approach, as Russell Wilson continues to maintain a lead over Justin Fields in the quarterback race. Despite both quarterbacks struggling to lead touchdown drives in preseason play, Wilson’s experience may provide the stability Tomlin seeks.
Challenges on the Offensive Line
However, the inefficiency in their drives has been attributed largely to the substandard performance of the offensive line. The absence of a key player, Troy Fautanu, due to injury, has only compounded these issues. Fautanu, who has been out for over a week, is expected to return by Week 1, which could provide a much-needed boost.
Bill Belichick emphasized that the Steelers' issues extend beyond the quarterback position. "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."
Potential and Experience
Amid these complexities, newcomer Zach Frazier has shown great promise as Pittsburgh’s starting center. Yet, being a rookie, there are natural hurdles that require time to overcome. Similarly, rookie Mason McCormick holds potential but needs more experience to make a marked impact this season.
The offensive line’s role is crucial not only in protecting the quarterback but also in facilitating a productive running game, which Bill Belichick believes to be essential. "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."
Looking Back to Move Forward
This situation evokes memories of 1996 when Mike Tomczak started over Kordell Stewart, leading the team to a 10-6 record before falling in the divisional round of the playoffs. The lessons from the past may provide some insights as the Steelers navigate their current predicament.
Ultimately, it’s clear that resolving the various issues plaguing the offensive line will be pivotal for the Steelers’ success this season. The team’s ability to protect their quarterback and galvanize a strong running game will determine the overall performance on the field.
As the Steelers continue their preparations, the decision-making process regarding the starting quarterback and shoring up the offensive line will be critical areas to watch. With veteran coaches like Cowher and Belichick offering their perspectives, the team has valuable insights at its disposal to execute a robust game plan for the upcoming season.