With the NFL season fast approaching, the Pittsburgh Steelers are grappling with the crucial decision of who should start as quarterback. According to seasoned coaches Bill Cowher and Bill Belichick, this decision might not be as complicated as it seems to outside observers. Russell Wilson has firmly held the lead over Justin Fields in the quarterback race, though neither has managed to lead a drive resulting in a touchdown during preseason play. The inefficiency of their drives points largely to the substandard performance of the offensive line.
Challenges on the Offensive Line
The struggles of the Steelers' offense can be traced back to their offensive line, which has faced significant hurdles. Key offensive line player Troy Fautanu has been out due to injury for over a week. His absence has had a notable impact, though he is expected to return for Week 1, offering a glimmer of hope for bolstering the line's performance.
Newcomer Zach Frazier, a rookie center, has shown promise but requires more experience to make a significant impact this season. As Belichick pointed out, “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.”
Quarterback Dynamics
Amid these challenges, current Steelers coach Mike Tomlin continues to place his faith in Russell Wilson as the starting quarterback. Bill Cowher supports this decision, suggesting a strategic approach to managing the quarterbacks. “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,” Cowher advised.
The wisdom behind Cowher's words reflects an understanding of the dynamics involved in managing player psychology and performance under pressure. Wilson's experience makes him a stable choice to start the season, with Fields being utilized to inject energy when necessary without overwhelming him with expectations.
Improving the Running Game
Belichick also emphasized the importance of revitalizing the Steelers' running game. "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 noted. Establishing a strong running game is crucial for setting up decisive play-action passes, which are Wilson's strengths outside the pocket.
Historical Context
Interestingly, this scenario is not entirely new to the Steelers. In 1996, Mike Tomczak started over Kordell Stewart, leading the team to a 10-6 record before falling in the divisional round of the playoffs. The lessons from past seasons underscore the significance of strategic quarterback management and the vital role of a robust offensive line in achieving success.
Forward Momentum
As the Steelers head into the new season, the primary focus will be on resolving the offensive line issues. Experts agree that the line's ability to protect Wilson and facilitate a productive running game is paramount. Ensuring that key players like Troy Fautanu are fit and integrating promising talent such as Zach Frazier seamlessly will be critical steps towards strengthening the line.
The Steelers' defense remains a solid unit, providing a dependable foundation on the other side of the ball. The collective efforts to improve the offensive line and optimize quarterback usage will no doubt shape the trajectory of the Steelers' season.