The Pittsburgh Steelers face a critical decision this preseason, deliberating over the starting quarterback spot. With seasoned coaches Bill Cowher and Bill Belichick weighing in, the choice might not be as daunting as it seems at first glance.
Quarterback Dynamics
One of the significant points of contention is between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Despite Wilson's dominance in the race, neither quarterback has successfully led a drive that ended in a touchdown during preseason play. The inefficiency of their drives can largely be attributed to the offensive line’s subpar performance. Key player Troy Fautanu’s injury has left a significant gap, impacting the overall functionality of the line. However, Fautanu is expected to return for Week 1, which could potentially bolster the team's performance.
Bill Cowher provides his perspective on managing the 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. 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.” This strategy aims to balance the dynamic between utilizing Wilson's experience and Fields' potential without putting undue pressure on the rookie.
Coaching Insights
Belichick, too, finds the quarterback issue secondary to other concerns, namely the offensive line. “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 Challenges
Zach Frazier, the rookie starting center, shows promise but requires more experience. The same applies to Mason McCormick, who holds potential but needs more time to develop a significant impact. The reliance on rookies and less experienced players highlights the urgency for a cohesive and effective offensive line to support the quarterback.
Belichick also underscores the importance of establishing a strong running game. “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.” Coach Mike Tomlin's continuity with Russell Wilson as the starting quarterback may hinge on these factors coming together.
Historical Context
Looking back, the Steelers have faced similar quarterback quandaries. Mike Tomczak started over Kordell Stewart in 1996 and led the team to a respectable 10-6 record, although they fell in the divisional round of the playoffs. This historical precedent might offer some context and perhaps reassurance to the decisions made this preseason.
Expert Opinions
Experts argue that resolving the offensive line issues is imperative for the team's success. The line's ability to protect the quarterback and facilitate a productive running game remains paramount. With key players like Troy Fautanu expected to return and promising talent waiting in the wings, the Steelers have the components needed to piece together a formidable offensive line. However, it will require concerted effort and strategic management to harness this potential fully.
As the preseason unfolds and Week 1 approaches, all eyes will be on how the Pittsburgh Steelers address these critical areas. The quarterback decision, though vital, might indeed be less challenging than shoring up the offensive line, a sentiment echoed by both Cowher and Belichick. The Steelers’ path to success will heavily depend on their ability to optimize both elements effectively.