The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves at a crossroads as they mull over who should start as quarterback. While the decision may seem daunting to fans, seasoned coaches like Bill Cowher and Bill Belichick believe it isn't as complex as it looks. Their insights provide an illuminating perspective on this football conundrum.
Quarterback Dynamics
Russell Wilson appears to have maintained an edge over Justin Fields in the race for the starting quarterback position. So far, neither Wilson nor Fields has managed to lead a drive to a touchdown during preseason play. The inefficiencies in these drives can largely be attributed to subpar performance from the offensive line—a key component in any team's success.
“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,” said Bill Cowher. “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
The inefficiency of the Steelers' drives in preseason highlights a bigger issue—the offensive line's inability to protect their quarterbacks and facilitate a productive running game. A critical piece of this puzzle, offensive line player Troy Fautanu, has been sidelined due to injury. His absence has been keenly felt, and while he is expected to return for Week 1, the current state of the line does not inspire much confidence.
“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,” said Bill Belichick.
Belichick's words underscore the sentiment that rectifying the offensive line's performance is crucial for the Steelers’ overall success. The return of Fautanu could provide the needed stability, yet the surrounding cast will need to up their game significantly.
Newcomers and Potential Game Changers
One shining hope is newcomer Zach Frazier, who shows great promise as Pittsburgh’s starting center. While still a rookie, Frazier's performance could be a game-changer, provided he gains the necessary experience and confidence quickly.
Another player worth watching is rookie Mason McCormick. Despite holding substantial potential, it is widely recognized that he needs more experience to make a significant impact this season. This, combined with the presence of Broderick Jones at right tackle and Dan Moore Jr. at left tackle, offers a mixed bag of veteran presence and rookie potential.
Belichick also emphasized the importance of the running game for the Steelers' success. “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 said. If the offensive line can solidify, the running game could indeed become a formidable asset, providing much-needed balance to the Steelers’ offensive attack.
Historical Lessons
Looking back can sometimes offer insights into the present. In 1996, Mike Tomczak was chosen over Kordell Stewart to lead the Steelers and brought the team to a respectable 10-6 record before their playoff journey ended in the divisional round. The current scenario has parallels that can't be ignored. Mike Tomlin's continuation with Russell Wilson as the starting quarterback might be rooted in these historical lessons.
Experts concur that resolving issues with the offensive line is pivotal for the quarterback's success. The ability of the offensive line to protect their quarterback and create opportunities for the running game will be paramount for the Steelers as they move forward into the season.
As the season opener inches closer, the Pittsburgh Steelers have pressing issues that need resolution. The quarterback debate may capture headlines, but it is the offensive line's performance that holds the key to unlocking the team’s true potential. With Troy Fautanu’s expected return, there is a glimmer of hope, but only time will tell if this unit can come together to propel the Steelers to a successful season.