Twenty years ago, a young Ben Roethlisberger burst onto the scene as a rookie quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, setting a mark that remains etched in NFL history. Winning all 12 of his regular season starts, Roethlisberger displayed both poise and prowess from the onset, buoyed by a dominant defense that safeguarded his early career.
Now, two decades later, the Steelers find themselves once again invigorated by youthful leadership under the helm of Justin Fields. Fields, embarking on his own promising journey, has led the Steelers to their first 2-0 start since 2020. Completing nearly 70% of his passes, Fields's recent performances have stirred favorable comparisons to the early days of Roethlisberger's storied career.
The Steelers have clawed their way to triumphant road victories against formidable foes Atlanta and Denver. Against Atlanta, Pittsburgh's offense mustered 18 points, aided significantly by Chris Boswell's six field goals. In Denver, the Steelers' offensive output slightly dipped to 13 points, but it was more than enough to secure the win, largely thanks to a stalwart defensive effort.
Fields's tenure thus far has been characterized by careful management of the game, as he has committed no turnovers in either contest. This prudent play has not gone unnoticed by the Steelers' greats. Ben Roethlisberger himself has been vocal about Fields's impact: "If Russ is healthy, I'm sticking with Justin. I think that he has earned, deserves the right to stay there," he remarked, acknowledging Fields's efficiency and ball security.
Roethlisberger continued his praise, underlining the importance of continuity: "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." Such sentiments from a franchise legend only further amplify the burgeoning excitement surrounding Fields's early contributions.
Indeed, Steelers' success is historically intertwined with robust defensive play and steady quarterbacking. In Roethlisberger's rookie year, the balance between a commanding defense and a poised quarterback led to an AFC record-setting 15 wins, only to fall short against the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game. The echoes of that formidable era resonate today, and Fields is keenly aware of the legacy he is stepping into.
Reflecting on the significance of victories, Roethlisberger shared advice rooted in his own experiences: "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." This pragmatic philosophy emphasizes the ultimate objective for any quarterback: to lead their team to wins, regardless of personal statistics.
The storied franchise has seen its share of changes since Roethlisberger's debut. Bill Cowher was the head coach during Roethlisberger's rookie season, guiding the team through turbulent and triumphant times until Roethlisberger became the youngest starting quarterback to win the Super Bowl.
Despite all the changes over the years, the essence of Steelers football—grounded in resilience and teamwork—remains unchanged. As Pittsburgh fans revel in their team's promising start, the blend of a competent young quarterback and a tenacious defense stirs echoes of past glories. Fields's early successes, coupled with Roethlisberger's endorsements, suggest a bright horizon for a team eager to reclaim its place among the NFL's elite.
With Russell Wilson's lingering calf injury and uncertainty surrounding his status, Fields's recent performances have provided much-needed stability and optimism. "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 concluded, encapsulating the cautious yet hopeful outlook shared by many within the Steelers community.