Twenty years ago, a rookie quarterback named Ben Roethlisberger took the NFL by storm, leading the Pittsburgh Steelers to a flawless 12-0 record in his regular season starts. Roethlisberger’s rise to prominence was marked by a potent combination of his resilience, a dominant defense, and a remarkable coaching stint by Bill Cowher. Fast forward to the present, and the Steelers find themselves in an intriguing parallel situation with another young quarterback, Justin Fields.
The Justin Fields Era Begins
This season, Justin Fields is leading the Steelers to their first 2-0 start since 2020. Fields, who has been efficient and poised under pressure, completed nearly 70% of his passes in recent games, showcasing his ability to manage the game and protect the football. Notably, Fields has gone without committing any turnovers in the first two matchups, securing road victories against Atlanta and Denver. Remarkably, these wins weren’t just defined by the offense but were significantly aided by a steadfast defense, reminiscent of Roethlisberger’s rookie season.
Wins Over Style
Reflecting on Fields’ performance, Roethlisberger commented, "If Russ is healthy, I'm sticking with Justin. I think that he has earned, deserves the right to stay there." Roethlisberger’s endorsement is a testament to the young quarterback’s effectiveness and ability to lead the team under challenging circumstances. He further emphasized, "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."
Indeed, Fields’ contributions have been critical, even if not flashy. The Steelers managed to put up 18 points against Atlanta and 13 points against Denver, with kicker Chris Boswell making six field goals in the Atlanta game. The scoreboard highlights the defense’s pivotal role and Fields’ calm demeanor in critical moments. Roethlisberger advised, "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."
Focus on Wins and Turnovers
For Fields, the most important metrics are wins and turnovers. "I would tell him, the only stat that matters is a W and the turnovers. You're winning the turnover battle, and you're winning. Don't worry about what people are saying in terms of yards, in terms of touchdowns, in terms of all that. You're winning. At the end of the day, as a quarterback, that's what you want," advised Roethlisberger.
The wisdom in Roethlisberger’s words is underscored by his own career. Known for not always putting up big numbers, he prided himself in securing wins at all costs. "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," shared Roethlisberger.
Historical Parallels and Aspirations
The historical parallels between Roethlisberger’s rookie season and Fields’ current campaign are undeniable. In 2004, Roethlisberger stepped in after Tommy Maddox was injured in Week 2. He led the Steelers to an unprecedented 15-1 record, setting an AFC record for most wins in a season. Although the Steelers fell short in the AFC Championship Game against the Patriots, Roethlisberger eventually became the youngest starting quarterback to win the Super Bowl.
While Fields’ journey is just beginning, the promise and potential are palpable. The Steelers and their fans hope that this season will echo the success stories of the past. As Fields continues to develop and build rapport with his teammates, he is cementing his role as a reliable and efficient leader on the field.
In the world of professional football, the only constant is change. Yet, the enduring legacy of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ commitment to excellence and resilience remains steadfast. Justin Fields has embraced the challenge, and with a blend of youthful exuberance and measured composure, he is carving out his own chapter in the storied history of the franchise.