As the Pittsburgh Steelers navigate potential options for their starting quarterback, seasoned coaches Bill Cowher and Bill Belichick provide insights that may ease the perceived complexity of the decision. The competition between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields continues, though neither has secured a definitive lead with standout performances in preseason play.
The Quarterback Dilemma
Russell Wilson appears to have the upper hand for the starting quarterback role over Justin Fields. Yet, the preseason revealed a critical flaw in the team's offense: drives led by both quarterbacks have failed to culminate in touchdowns. The root cause seems to be the lackluster performance of the offensive line, rather than the abilities of the quarterbacks themselves. An injured Troy Fautanu, a key player on the offensive line, has been missing from action for over a week, contributing to the inconsistency.
"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. He believes limiting expectations on Fields and allowing him to develop naturally in specific situations is the best approach.
Coaches' Insights
Bill Belichick concurs with Cowher’s assessment and emphasizes that the offensive line's performance will be crucial. "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 noted.
The Offensive Line Struggles
The Steelers' offensive line is currently a patchwork of promising but inexperienced players alongside seasoned veterans. Zach Frazier, a newcomer showing promise as the team’s starting center, has significant potential but requires time and experience to make a considerable impact. Similarly, rookie Mason McCormick has been recognized for his potential but may not be ready for a deciding role this season. The injury to Troy Fautanu has amplified these pressures, with Fautanu expected to make his return by Week 1.
Arthur Smith, identified as a perfect fit for Coach Tomlin's offensive strategies, also faces the challenge of fostering an effective 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,” Belichick remarked. Furthermore, Russell Wilson's ability to execute plays out of the pocket can contribute positively if the offensive line can deliver the necessary protection.
Historical Comparisons
To understand the current situation, a trip down memory lane reveals a similar scenario in 1996 when coach Mike Tomczak started over Kordell Stewart. Tomczak led the Steelers to a 10-6 record that season but fell short in the divisional round of the playoffs. The parallels in strategic decisions then and now highlight the complexity and critical nature of choosing the right starting quarterback and bolstering the offensive line.
The Path Forward
Current Steelers coach Mike Tomlin faces a daunting task as he continues with Russell Wilson as the leading quarterback. Experts across the board agree that the team's success hinges on resolving offensive line issues. Ensuring the line can protect the quarterback and establish a productive running game is paramount.
As Week 1 approaches, the return of Troy Fautanu and the development of rookies like Zach Frazier will be pivotal. Whether the chosen quarterback is Russell Wilson or, in a switch of strategy, Justin Fields, the cohesive performance of the offensive line will dictate the direction of the Steelers' season.
With seasoned voices like Cowher and Belichick offering their support and strategic insights, Coach Tomlin’s next moves will be critical. The Steelers' future rides on these decisions, with the overarching goal of overcoming current challenges to emerge as a formidable force this season.