The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves at a crossroads as they debate who should start as the quarterback for the upcoming season. Seasoned NFL coaches Bill Cowher and Bill Belichick believe the decision may not be as challenging as it appears to outsiders, underscoring Russell Wilson's dominance in the quarterback race over Justin Fields.
Challenges in Preseason Performance
Interestingly, neither Wilson nor Fields has managed to lead a drive that resulted in a touchdown during preseason play. The inefficiency of these drives has been largely attributed to substandard performance by the offensive line. Key player Troy Fautanu has been sidelined due to an injury, which has further compounded the issues on the line. Fautanu, however, is expected to return for Week 1, bringing some hope to the Steelers’ offensive dynamics.
Alongside the veteran presence of Russell Wilson, Pittsburgh's offensive line includes a blend of rookies and seasoned players working to find their rhythm. Newcomer Zach Frazier, a rookie center, shows great promise but, according to experts, needs more experience to significantly impact this season. Rookie Mason McCormick also holds potential but is not yet considered ready to make a substantial contribution.
Opinions from the Coaches
Bill Cowher suggested a strategic approach to managing the quarterback situation. "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," said Cowher.
Bill Belichick echoed Cowher's sentiments, stating that the Steelers have bigger issues to resolve than just the quarterback position. "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," Belichick remarked.
Offensive Line: The Crux of the Matter
The offensive line has been a focal point for the Steelers, with its inconsistent performance causing concerns. "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," Belichick pointed out.
The return of Troy Fautanu will indeed be crucial for the stability of the offensive line. Additionally, the fresh talent of Broderick Jones playing right tackle and Dan Moore Jr. on the left will have to come together harmoniously to protect the quarterback and establish a solid running game.
The Path Ahead
Current Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is continuing with Russell Wilson as the starting quarterback, demonstrating a clear vote of confidence in the seasoned player. Experts agree that while the quarterback is essential, resolving issues with the offensive line is critical for achieving success. A robust offensive line is paramount in ensuring the quarterback is protected and can lead effective scoring drives.
The upcoming season will showcase how well the Steelers can overcome their preseason hurdles, particularly with the synergy of their offensive line. As the anticipation builds, fans and analysts alike will keenly observe how Coach Tomlin and his team maneuver through these challenges to set the tone for a promising NFL season.