Twenty years ago, the Pittsburgh Steelers witnessed the emergence of a prodigious talent in Ben Roethlisberger, who as a rookie quarterback led the team to an extraordinary 12-0 record in his regular-season starts. Today, a new chapter seems to be unfolding as Justin Fields leads the team with similar determination and grit.
The Rise of Justin Fields
Recently, Fields has guided the Steelers to their first 2-0 start since the 2020 season. Completing nearly 70% of his passes in these recent outings, Fields has been a model of efficiency and control. Crucially, he led the team to road victories against formidable opponents in Atlanta and Denver, where the Steelers' offense put up 18 and 13 points, respectively.
The contributions of kicker Chris Boswell cannot be overstated, as he made six critical field goals in Atlanta, bolstering the offense's efforts.
Defense and Discipline
While the stats sheet may not reflect an explosive offensive performance, the Steelers' defense has played a pivotal role in securing these victories. Fields, a quarterback known for his dual-threat capabilities, managed to avoid turnovers in both games, showcasing maturity and discipline under pressure.
Speaking on the current quarterback situation, Ben Roethlisberger, a legend in his own right, had nothing but praise for Fields. "If Russ is healthy, I'm sticking with Justin. I think that he has earned, deserves the right to stay there," Roethlisberger emphasized. His words reflect a deep respect for Fields' current form and the chemistry he has built with the team.
Staying the Course
Roethlisberger's advice to the young quarterback rings with the wisdom of years of experience. "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. 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," he noted.
Fields’ ability to manage games despite perhaps not putting up gaudy numbers resonates with Roethlisberger, who himself was known for clutch performances. "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."
Legacy and Mentorship
The story of Roethlisberger’s rookie year remains etched in the minds of many Steelers fans. His journey was marked not just by personal accolades but by leading Pittsburgh to a record-setting 15-win season in 2004 and eventually becoming the youngest quarterback to win a Super Bowl. The echoes of that era can be felt as Fields carves his own path.
With Russell Wilson dealing with a nagging calf injury that began before the training camp, the stage appears to be set for Fields to continue leading the charge. Avoiding turnovers and securing wins have been his primary objectives, and so far, he has delivered.
Roethlisberger’s reflections on his own career offer valuable lessons for Fields. "I didn't always put up big numbers, but I prided myself in getting wins, and that's what you're supposed to do. As a quarterback, you're supposed to win football games by any means necessary." His perspective underscores the importance of prioritizing team success over individual statistics.
As the Steelers look ahead, their fans can draw confidence from the steel-like resolve shown by Justin Fields. Much like the early days of Roethlisberger, Fields’ tenure has started with a promise grounded in team victories and disciplined play, laying the foundation for what could be another illustrious era in Pittsburgh football history.