The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves at a pivotal point as they debate who should start as their quarterback. In the wake of preseason preparations, seasoned coaches Bill Cowher and Bill Belichick have weighed in, suggesting that the decision, while complex to outsiders, may be more straightforward to those within the league.
Quarterback Quandary: Wilson vs. Fields
Currently, Russell Wilson has maintained a lead in the quarterback race over Justin Fields. Neither has managed to lead a drive culminating in a touchdown during preseason play, an inefficacy largely attributed to a struggling offensive line.
Bill Cowher provides his perspective: “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
Integral to the offensive issues, Troy Fautanu, a key player on the offensive line, has been sidelined due to injury and will not return until Week 1. With his absence felt over the past week, the offensive line has struggled to maintain consistency. This instability directly impacts their ability to protect the quarterback and create opportunities for a productive running game.
Bill Belichick draws attention to the bigger picture: “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.”
Promising Newcomers
Despite these challenges, some new additions show promise. Zach Frazier, a rookie, has taken on the significant role of starting center. Veteran players and coaches alike recognize his potential, although his development is still in progress. Similarly, rookie Mason McCormick has shown potential, though he requires more experience to make a significant impact this season.
Coaching Strategies and Insights
As the debate continues, current Steelers coach Mike Tomlin appears poised to begin the season with Russell Wilson as the starting quarterback. Reflecting on the team’s dynamics, Bill Belichick notes the importance of establishing a strong running game: “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.”
Drawing a parallel to the past, the Steelers' 1996 season offers some insight. Mike Tomczak was the starting quarterback, leading the team to a 10-6 record before falling in the divisional round of the playoffs. His experience illustrates the pressures and responsibilities that come with the position, something Wilson can relate to.
Conclusion
In summation, the Pittsburgh Steelers face a series of challenges and decisions as they navigate their preseason. The quarterback dilemma between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields is compounded by offensive line issues, primarily stemming from key injuries. Coaches with vast experience believe that solidifying the offensive line is crucial for any quarterback’s success. The forthcoming weeks will shed more light on these dynamics as the Steelers prepare to kick off their season.