Twenty years ago, Ben Roethlisberger burst onto the scene as the rookie quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers. During his debut season, Roethlisberger showcased exceptional skill and poise, winning all 12 of his regular-season starts and leading the team alongside a dominant defense. Now, two decades later, another young quarterback is making waves in Pittsburgh: Justin Fields.
Fields' Promising Start
Justin Fields has led the Steelers to their first 2-0 start since 2020. His impressive performance has him completing nearly 70% of his passes, securing road victories against Atlanta and Denver. Key to their success has been the balance between the team's resilient defense and Fields' efficient play. The Steelers' offense managed 18 points against Atlanta and 13 points against Denver, with Chris Boswell contributing significantly by making six field goals in Atlanta.
Perhaps most notably, Fields has taken tremendous care of the football, committing no turnovers in either contest. This level of ball security has garnered praise and confidence from former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. "If Russ is healthy, I'm sticking with Justin. I think that he has earned, deserves the right to stay there," Roethlisberger remarked. This endorsement underscores Fields' impressive start and the trust he has built within the team and its supporters.
Roethlisberger's Insights and Advice
Roethlisberger, who knows a thing or two about leading the Steelers as a young quarterback, has shared his advice and insights on Fields' current journey. "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," Roethlisberger noted, emphasizing the significance of maintaining the team's momentum.
The synergy Fields has developed with his teammates has not gone unnoticed. "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," Roethlisberger added. This sentiment highlights the critical nature of chemistry and consistency in achieving success on the field.
Drawing from his own experience, Roethlisberger reflected, "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 perspective reinforces that sometimes, wins and effective management of the game are more valuable than flashy statistics.
Roethlisberger also offered some grounded wisdom for Fields as he navigates the season: "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." This focus on the essentials reveals the core philosophy that guided Roethlisberger throughout his illustrious career.
The Legacy Continues
Roethlisberger's career was punctuated with significant achievements, including becoming the youngest starting quarterback to win the Super Bowl. His rookie season in 2004, under the guidance of head coach Bill Cowher, saw the Steelers set an AFC record with 15 wins. Despite falling short in the AFC Championship Game against the Patriots that year, Roethlisberger's legacy as a winner was firmly established.
Now, Justin Fields aims to carve out his own legacy with the Steelers. With no turnovers in his opening games, he is echoing the disciplined, winning mentality that Roethlisberger champions. The defense's critical role in recent victories also mirrors the balance of strong defensive and offensive performances that characterized Roethlisberger's early years.
As Fields continues to lead the Steelers this season, the echoes of Roethlisberger's journey serve as both a roadmap and an inspiration. The challenge remains the same: win football games by any means necessary. And if Fields can maintain his current trajectory, he may very well find himself celebrated in Steelers' lore, much like the greats who came before him.