Twenty years ago, Ben Roethlisberger burst onto the NFL scene as a rookie sensation for the Pittsburgh Steelers. His first season was nothing short of remarkable, winning all 12 of his regular-season starts and leading a team bolstered by a formidable defense. Fast forward to the present day, Justin Fields is igniting similar excitement among Steelers fans as he leads the team to a promising 2-0 start, their first since 2020.
A Rocky Start with Maddox and Cowher
Back in 2004, Roethlisberger's opportunity arose after veteran quarterback Tommy Maddox was injured in Week 2. Under the leadership of head coach Bill Cowher, Roethlisberger not only stepped into the limelight but shone brightly. The Steelers finished the season with an AFC record of 15 wins, though their journey ended in disappointment with a loss to the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game.
Despite the early playoff exit, Roethlisberger’s rookie season set the stage for future successes. He eventually became the youngest starting quarterback to win the Super Bowl, forever etching his name in NFL history.
Fields Stepping Up
Today, Justin Fields finds himself in a somewhat similar position. Fields has shown remarkable efficiency and composure, completing nearly 70% of his passes in recent games. The Steelers notched road victories against Atlanta and Denver, managing 18 points against the former and 13 against the latter. Fields has been particularly impressive in avoiding turnovers, an aspect Roethlisberger acknowledges as crucial.
Roethlisberger’s Endorsement
"If Russ is healthy, I'm sticking with Justin. I think that he has earned, deserves the right to stay there," Roethlisberger commented, emphasizing the importance of maintaining continuity. "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."
The sentiment of not disrupting the team’s rhythm resonates deeply with Roethlisberger. "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," he added.
Efficiency Over Spectacle
While spectacular stats can capture headlines, Roethlisberger underscores the importance of wins over individual accolades. "Would you like to see 400 yards and three touchdowns and one rushing touchdown? Of course you would. But you know what else you're going to be happy with? You'll be happy with a guy right now that wasn't even really supposed to probably start this year, going 2-0, taking care of the football, making plays, sometimes out of nothing when guys are getting in."
This pragmatic approach has been central to Roethlisberger’s own career. "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," he stated.
Challenges Ahead
While Roethlisberger’s endorsement provides a morale boost, Fields will still face numerous challenges as the season progresses. The Steelers’ victories have been hard-fought, with their offense managing modest point totals facilitated by the reliable leg of kicker Chris Boswell, who made six field goals in Atlanta. Moreover, the Steelers' defense has been pivotal, stepping up in critical moments to secure these wins.
Another dimension to the narrative is Russell Wilson's calf injury, aggravated two weeks ago and originating on the eve of training camp. This injury has undoubtedly shifted the focus and reliance towards Fields, who has risen to the occasion impressively.
Aiming for Stability
As the Steelers seek to build on their strong start, the lessons from Roethlisberger’s rookie season serve as a potent reminder of what is possible. Roethlisberger’s journey from an unheralded rookie to a Super Bowl champion encapsulates the unexpected twists and triumphs that define the NFL. His advice to Fields is simple yet profound: "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."
In a league where every game is a test of adaptability and resilience, Fields’ performance thus far has been encouraging. With the steadfast support of his team and the endorsement of a legendary predecessor, he seems poised to carve out his own legacy with the Pittsburgh Steelers.