Twenty years ago, Ben Roethlisberger emerged as a rookie sensation with the Pittsburgh Steelers, a narrative that saw him win all 12 of his regular season starts. Fast forward to the present, and the torch seems to be passing to Justin Fields, who has guided the Steelers to a 2-0 start for the first time since 2020.
The Rookie Sensation of the Past
Ben Roethlisberger's inaugural season in 2004 was nothing short of extraordinary. Playing alongside a formidable defense, he navigated through his rookie season without losing a game in the regular season, leading his team to an astounding AFC record of 15 wins. The journey, however, was not without its bumps. Injuries to Tommy Maddox in Week 2 handed Roethlisberger the reins, and he did not disappoint. Under the guidance of head coach Bill Cowher, Roethlisberger and the Steelers rolled into the AFC Championship Game, though they would ultimately lose to the New England Patriots.
Despite the loss, Roethlisberger would go on to become the youngest starting quarterback to win the Super Bowl, a precursor to what would be a Hall of Fame 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,” Roethlisberger reflected.
A New Era with Justin Fields
Now, the spotlight is on Justin Fields, whose efficiency has impressed many, including Roethlisberger himself. Fields has propelled the Steelers to a 2-0 start this season, completing nearly 70% of his passes and avoiding any turnovers. Securing road victories against Atlanta and Denver, the young quarterback has shown poise and maturity that belie his experience.
Fields’ performance has been punctuated by game management and smart decision-making. Despite a modest 18 points against Atlanta and 13 points against Denver, the Steelers' defense has played a critical role in these wins. Chris Boswell’s six field goals in Atlanta were instrumental, yet it's Fields’ influence that appears to be the linchpin of the team’s early success.
“If Russ is healthy, I'm sticking with Justin. I think that he has earned, deserves the right to stay there,” Roethlisberger said, endorsing the young quarterback. “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.”
Winning Over Spectacular Numbers
Roethlisberger’s emphasis on the importance of winning over individual statistics resonates deeply with his own career experiences. “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 stated. The absence of turnovers and the ability to make plays, sometimes out of nothing, have been the hallmarks of Fields' contribution so far.
The young quarterback’s approach aligns perfectly with Roethlisberger’s advice: “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.”
Fields’ pragmatic approach to the game, focusing on securing wins rather than seeking spectacular individual numbers, has started to resonate within the team. This tactical and mental alignment with the philosophy of seasoned veterans like Roethlisberger bodes well for the Steelers.
As Roethlisberger aptly put it, “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 sentiment captures the essence of focusing on team success over individual accolades, an approach Fields seems to have embraced wholeheartedly.
In a season that promises many twists and turns, the Steelers under Justin Fields are off to a promising start. While there is much to unfold, the early signs suggest that the young quarterback is not only ready but poised to lead this storied franchise into a new era of success.