The Pittsburgh Steelers are currently embroiled in a significant debate as they determine who should be their starting quarterback for the upcoming season. The decision, which might seem complex to outsiders, appears more straightforward to seasoned coaches like Bill Cowher and Bill Belichick.
Quarterback Competition: Wilson vs. Fields
Russell Wilson has maintained a lead in the race for the starting quarterback position over Justin Fields. Despite neither quarterback leading a touchdown drive in preseason play, Wilson's experience appears to give him the edge. Factors contributing to this offensive inefficiency include a notably subpar offensive line performance. The injury of key player Troy Fautanu, who has been sidelined for over a week, has significantly impacted the line's effectiveness. However, Fautanu is expected to return for Week 1, which might bring some stability back to the line.
Bill Cowher shared his strategy for the situation, stating, “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
One of the critical issues facing the Steelers is the performance of their offensive line. According to Bill Belichick, "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.”
Frazier, a rookie center, has shown great promise, but his inexperience is evident. On the tackle fronts, Broderick Jones is holding down the right tackle position, while Dan Moore Jr. covers the left. The return of Fautanu could provide much-needed depth and strength to the line, which is crucial for protecting whoever ends up starting as quarterback.
Looking Back and Moving Forward
Historically, the Steelers have had their share of quarterback controversies. In 1996, Mike Tomczak started over Kordell Stewart and led the team to a 10-6 record, only to fall in the divisional round of the playoffs. The current head coach, Mike Tomlin, has to balance the past and present dynamics as he continues to support Russell Wilson as the starter. “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,” noted Belichick.
Experts agree that addressing the offensive line's consistency is paramount for quarterback success. With Frazier in a crucial role, the challenge is to mold these young talents into a coherent unit. The guards, too, need to step up to ensure they can protect the quarterback and facilitate a productive running game, vital for the team’s overall success.
As the Steelers await Fautanu's return and hope for further development from their rookies, the pressure is on the coaching staff to make the right call at quarterback. The decision will set the tone for the season ahead, as the Steelers aim to solve their more significant woes in the trenches and protect their leader on the field, whether it be Wilson or Fields.