The Pittsburgh Steelers are currently engaged in an intense debate over who should start as their quarterback this season. Despite seeming complex to many, seasoned coaches Bill Cowher and Bill Belichick insist that the decision is not as tough as it appears.
Russell Wilson appears to have the upper hand in the quarterback race over Justin Fields. However, neither quarterback has successfully led a drive ending in a touchdown during preseason play. The primary reason behind this inefficiency can be traced back to the inconsistent performance of the offensive line.
Challenges in the Offensive Line
One key player, Troy Fautanu, has been sidelined due to an injury, significantly impacting the line's effectiveness. Despite this drawback, Fautanu is expected to return for Week 1, offering some hope for a strengthened offensive front. The absence of such a pivotal lineman has caused considerable concern, with experts emphasizing the need to resolve the issues within the offensive line for any potential success at the quarterback position.
Bill Belichick highlighted the depth of the problem, 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.”
The Role of Newcomers and Rookies
Newcomer Zach Frazier, a rookie center, has shown great potential but still requires time to gain sufficient experience. Rookie Mason McCormick, too, holds promise, although he is not yet in a position to make a significant impact this season.
The reshuffled offensive line sees Broderick Jones playing right tackle and Dan Moore Jr. taking on the left tackle position. With Frazier anchoring the center, this configuration presents a blend of new talent and existing experience, crucial for the team's future success.
Coaching Perspectives on Quarterback Strategy
Steelers' head coach Mike Tomlin has chosen to continue with Russell Wilson as the starting quarterback. This decision is supported by Cowher, who suggests, “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.”
Belichick also weighed in on the strategy, emphasizing the need for a strong running game to complement the quarterback's play. “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,” he noted.
Historical Context and Lessons
Historically, the Steelers have experienced similar quarterback dilemmas. In 1996, Mike Tomczak started over Kordell Stewart, leading the team to a 10-6 record before falling in the divisional round of the playoffs. This historical precedent might provide some comfort and guidance as the current coaching staff navigates their quarterback selection process.
Ultimately, the success of the Steelers this season hinges not only on the performance of their chosen quarterback but also on the effectiveness and consistency of their offensive line. Ensuring robust protection for their quarterback and paving the way for a productive running game are paramount objectives for the Steelers as they prepare for the upcoming season. By addressing these issues, the team can hope to maximize its offensive potential and position itself as a formidable contender.