Twenty years ago, Ben Roethlisberger burst onto the NFL scene as a rookie quarterback with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In an impressive feat, Roethlisberger won all 12 of his regular season starts, bolstered by a strong defense. Fast forward to today, and the Steelers find themselves in the midst of a promising start to their season, not with Roethlisberger at the helm, but with young quarterback Justin Fields leading the charge.
Fields has guided the Steelers to their first 2-0 start since 2020. Demonstrating poise and skill, Fields completed nearly 70% of his passes in recent games, securing road victories against Atlanta and Denver. The Steelers' offense put up 18 points in Atlanta and 13 points in Denver, but it was their defense that played a critical role in these victories. Placekicker Chris Boswell also contributed significantly, making six field goals in Atlanta.
Fields' Early Success
The impressive start has drawn comparisons to Roethlisberger's early days, and the former Steelers quarterback himself has been vocal about Fields' performance. "If Russ is healthy, I'm sticking with Justin," Roethlisberger said, referencing the injury to Russell Wilson, the team's more experienced quarterback. "I think that he has earned, deserves the right to stay there."
Roethlisberger also praised Fields' efficiency and decision-making. "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," he said. The emphasis on not disrupting the team's rhythm is clear in Roethlisberger's remarks. "Once you get into a rhythm and you get good things going, you don't want to mess that up. Let's not mess up the rhythm of the team and what's going on, and I think they're building."
Winning Above All
Despite not putting up staggering numbers, Fields has impressed with his ability to take care of the football and make plays when needed. He has yet to commit a turnover in either of the first two games. For Roethlisberger, this aspect of Fields' game is crucial. "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, sometimes out of nothing when guys are getting in."
This focus on winning is something Roethlisberger understands deeply. "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."
Roethlisberger's advice reflects his own career 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. As a quarterback, you're supposed to win football games by any means necessary."
Defense and Discipline
In addition to Fields' solid play, the Steelers' defense deserves credit for the team's early success. Just as Roethlisberger benefited from a dominant defensive unit in his rookie year, Fields is supported by a defense that has stepped up in crucial moments. The ability to limit opponents' scoring and create opportunities for the offense has been a hallmark of Pittsburgh's 2-0 start.
Furthermore, Fields' discipline in avoiding turnovers has been a significant factor. Turnovers often change the momentum of a game, and by keeping the ball secure, Fields gives his team the best possible chance to win. This disciplined approach is what allowed the Steelers to grind out victories in hard-fought matchups against Atlanta and Denver.
As the season progresses, the Steelers will undoubtedly face tougher challenges. However, with Fields showing maturity beyond his years and the defense playing at a high level, there is a sense of cautious optimism surrounding the team. The echoes of Roethlisberger's rookie season remind fans of what is possible when a young quarterback and a determined defense come together.