Quarterback Dilemma: Steelers Weigh Their Options
The Pittsburgh Steelers are currently grappling with a pivotal decision: who should lead them as starting quarterback. Seasoned NFL coaches like Bill Cowher and Bill Belichick believe the choice may not be as complex as it appears to those outside the organization.
Wilson vs. Fields: The Quarterback Competition
Despite a competitive preseason, Russell Wilson has managed to maintain an edge over Justin Fields for the starting quarterback role. However, neither quarterback has yet managed to cap off a drive with a touchdown during preseason games, largely due to the subpar performance of the Steelers' offensive line.
Belichick, offering his perspective, remarked, “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.”
Offensive Line Woes
Indeed, the inefficiency of the quarterbacks’ drives has been largely attributed to the underperformance of the offensive line. The line's struggles were exacerbated when key player Troy Fautanu was sidelined due to an injury. Fautanu, who has been out for over a week, is expected to make his return in Week 1. His absence has forced the Steelers to reshuffle their lineup, with Broderick Jones stepping in at right tackle and Dan Moore Jr. taking over left tackle responsibilities. Rookie center Zach Frazier has shown potential but, as Belichick pointed out, still has a lot to prove.
Bill Cowher echoes this sentiment, suggesting a strategic approach to managing the team’s quarterbacks. “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,” he said. “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.”
New Faces on the Line
The arrival of Zach Frazier as Pittsburgh’s starting center has brought a glimmer of hope. Though a rookie, Frazier has demonstrated great promise during the preseason. Yet, experience is one factor the young center lacks, and it may take time before he can make a significant impact. In contrast, another rookie, Mason McCormick, also shows potential, but like Frazier, he requires more experience to become a linchpin for the Steelers' offensive line this season.
Bill Belichick emphasized the importance of the offensive line in ensuring the quarterback’s success. “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 explained.
Historical Context
Looking back, the Steelers have successfully navigated quarterback controversies before. In 1996, Mike Tomczak was chosen to start over Kordell Stewart. Tomczak led the team to a respectable 10-6 record that year, though they ultimately fell in the divisional round of the playoffs. This historical insight underlines the fact that choosing a starting quarterback is often not just about the individual talents but about how they fit into the broader team strategy.
The Path Forward
Current Steelers coach Mike Tomlin appears to be leaning towards continuing with Russell Wilson as the starting quarterback. Experts agree, however, that the root cause of the Steelers’ troubles lies within the offensive line. Until the line can provide adequate protection for the quarterback and facilitate a productive running game, the team’s success will remain hampered. With the imminent return of Troy Fautanu and the infusion of promising new talent like Zach Frazier, the Steelers have the pieces in place to potentially address these issues.
As the regular season approaches, all eyes will be on how the Steelers manage their quarterback situation. The decisions made now could very well set the tone for the rest of the season, shaping whether Pittsburgh will rise to success or squander under the weight of unresolved issues.