The Pittsburgh Steelers face a critical decision as they debate their starting quarterback. The contest between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields has been closely observed, but neither has managed to lead a successful touchdown drive in preseason play, raising concerns about their effectiveness. The seasoned insights of coaches Bill Cowher and Bill Belichick suggest that the decision may not be as challenging as it seems to outsiders.
Quarterback Choices and Strategies
According to Bill Cowher, starting the season with Russell Wilson would be the more prudent choice. "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,” Cowher advised.
Current Steelers coach Mike Tomlin seems to resonate with this strategy, as it appears he is continuing with Russell Wilson as the starting quarterback. The goal here is to manage the confidence and development of the younger Fields while benefiting from Wilson’s experience.
Offensive Line Woes
A major factor contributing to the inefficiency of both Wilson and Fields has been the substandard performance of the offensive line. Neither quarterback has led a touchdown drive in preseason play, largely due to this critical issue. The offensive line’s ability to protect the quarterback and facilitate a productive running game is seen as paramount to the Steelers' success this season.
Bill Belichick underscored the importance of the offensive line in commenting on Arthur Smith’s fit for Steelers' offensive strategy. "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.”
Challenges and Potential
Key offensive line player Troy Fautanu has been sidelined due to injury but is expected to return for Week 1. Fautanu’s absence has indeed been felt, and his return could be a major boost for the offensive line’s performance.
"I think they have bigger problems than the quarterback position. That’s my opinion," Belichick remarked. "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.”
Rookie Watch
Rookie center Zach Frazier shows great promise, though Belichick believes that he still has a substantial way to go. Similarly, rookie Mason McCormick has potential but requires more experience before making a significant impact this season. The development of these young players will be essential for the Steelers to achieve stability and efficiency in their offensive operations.
As the team prepares for the start of the season, addressing the inefficiencies of the offensive line will be crucial. With the anticipated return of Troy Fautanu and the potential of promising newcomers like Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick, the Steelers have elements in place to fortify their line. However, getting the offensive line to perform cohesively and protect their quarterback remains a priority that could determine their overall success.
As preseason challenges give way to the regular season, the Steelers’ decisions on their starting quarterback and offensive line configuration will be pivotal. With the guidance of experienced coaches like Bill Cowher and Bill Belichick, the team has the strategic insights needed to navigate these pressing issues.