The Pittsburgh Steelers are embroiled in a quarterback debate as they inch closer to the new NFL season. Veteran coaches Bill Cowher and Bill Belichick, however, posit that the decision is less burdensome than it appears to outsiders. With Russell Wilson currently leading the charge over Justin Fields, the Steelers' coaching staff faces a season-defining decision.
Coaching Perspectives
Bill Cowher suggests a strategy to manage both quarterbacks effectively. "You start the season with Russell," Cowher advised. "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."
Cowher emphasized the importance of not overwhelming Fields early on. "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," he added. This approach aims to harness Wilson's experience while gradually integrating Fields into higher-stakes scenarios.
Belichick's Take on the Offense
Bill Belichick underscored the necessity of developing a robust running game to complement the quarterback position. "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 actions and passes," Belichick said.
However, Belichick raised concerns that extend beyond quarterback performance. "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," he analyzed.
The Offensive Line Conundrum
The Steelers' offensive line has been under scrutiny, especially with Troy Fautanu sidelined due to injury. His absence has been a glaring issue, contributing to the struggles of both Wilson and Fields, neither of whom has led a drive that ended in a touchdown during the preseason. The return of Fautanu for Week 1 is eagerly anticipated, as his presence could significantly bolster the line’s performance.
Rookie center Zach Frazier has shown promise, but his inexperience has been evident. Belichick’s remarks highlight Frazier’s developmental trajectory: "He’s got a way to go." Meanwhile, Mason McCormick, another rookie, possesses potential but requires further seasoning to make a meaningful impact.
Historical Context
The quarterback debate in Pittsburgh isn’t unprecedented. In 1996, Mike Tomczak started over Kordell Stewart, leading the team to a respectable 10-6 record. Unfortunately, Tomczak’s squad could not advance past the divisional round of the playoffs. This historical backdrop adds pressure to the current coaching staff to make the right decision, particularly with Mike Tomlin continuing to back Russell Wilson as the starting quarterback.
The Road Ahead
Experts assert that resolving the offensive line issues is paramount to the Steelers' success this season. Their ability to protect the quarterback and establish a productive running game remains crucial. As Bill Cowher and Bill Belichick have pointed out, the focus extends beyond the quarterback position, encompassing a holistic improvement in the team’s offensive dynamics.
As the season approaches, the Steelers have critical decisions to make. While Russell Wilson's starting position garners much of the spotlight, the performance and health of the offensive line could ultimately define their success. The return of Troy Fautanu and the maturation of players like Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick will be closely watched as Pittsburgh aims to overcome its preseason struggles and mount a formidable campaign.