The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves at a crossroads as they debate their starting quarterback for the upcoming season. Seasoned coaches Bill Cowher and Bill Belichick, however, believe the decision may not be as challenging as it appears to the public.
Quarterback Dilemma
On the one hand, Russell Wilson has been a dominant force in the quarterback race, maintaining an edge over Justin Fields. Despite his leadership, neither quarterback has successfully led a drive that culminated in a touchdown during preseason play. This inefficiency has largely been attributed to the substandard performance of the offensive line.
Offensive Line Struggles
The offensive line's lackluster performance came to the forefront with key player Troy Fautanu sidelined due to injury. His absence has been palpable, as both Wilson and Fields have struggled to find their rhythm. Fortunately for the Steelers, Fautanu is expected to return for Week 1, potentially bolstering the team's front line.
Amid these struggles, newcomer Zach Frazier has shown great promise as Pittsburgh’s starting center. Although still a rookie, his potential has been noted by experts. Another rookie, Mason McCormick, holds promise but lacks the experience needed to make a significant impact this season. Broderick Jones and Dan Moore Jr. have been holding down the fort at right and left tackle respectively, but consistency remains a question mark.
Expert Opinions
According to Bill Cowher, “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.”
Belichick offered his insights on the broader team dynamics, stating, “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 also pointed out that the team's issues extend beyond the quarterback position. “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.”
Coaching Decisions
Current Steelers coach Mike Tomlin appears to be leaning towards starting Russell Wilson, a decision that aligns with Cowher’s viewpoint. Stability and experience seem to be the deciding factors. Wilson’s tenure in the league equips him with the resilience needed to handle the pressures, allowing Fields to develop without the immediate burden of leading the team.
Experts agree that resolving issues with the offensive line is crucial for the quarterback's success. The ability of the offensive line to protect their quarterback and facilitate a productive running game is paramount for the Steelers' success. As the season opener approaches, all eyes will be on the offensive line’s performance and how it impacts the overall dynamics of the team.
The Steelers' journey through the preseason has showcased the intricacies and challenges they face, particularly with their offensive line. With Troy Fautanu's anticipated return and promising rookies like Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick in the mix, the team has the potential to solidify their front line. However, consistent performance and the ability to adapt quickly will be key elements in determining their success.
As the Steelers prepare for the upcoming season, the debate over their starting quarterback is just one of many puzzles they need to solve. With seasoned voices like Cowher and Belichick providing their insights, the team has a wealth of knowledge to draw upon. Balancing experience with potential, and ensuring that their offensive line can deliver, will be the defining factors in their quest for success.