Steelers’ Quarterback Conundrum: Who Will Take the Lead?
The Pittsburgh Steelers are currently embroiled in a critical decision-making process regarding their starting quarterback for the upcoming NFL season. Esteemed coaches Bill Cowher and Bill Belichick have weighed in on the matter, offering insights that indicate the choice may not be as daunting as it appears to those outside the organization.
Russell Wilson has continued to maintain his dominance in the quarterback race over his competitor, Justin Fields. However, neither quarterback has managed to lead a successful drive culminating in a touchdown during preseason play, a situation largely attributed to the substandard performance of the offensive line.
The offensive line's inefficiency can be partly blamed on the absence of key player Troy Fautanu, who has been sidelined due to injury for over a week. Despite this setback, Fautanu is expected to return for Week 1, potentially providing a much-needed boost to the team’s offensive capabilities.
Zach Frazier, a newcomer, has shown immense promise as the Steelers' starting center, although he is still a rookie and has a learning curve ahead. The potential of rookie Mason McCormick is noted; however, it is acknowledged that he requires more experience before he can significantly impact play this season.
With Broderick Jones playing right tackle and Dan Moore Jr. holding down the left tackle position, the offensive line's current configuration reflects efforts to mitigate Fautanu’s absence. Experts agree that remedying issues within this unit is crucial for quarterback success, as reflected in Bill Belichick’s remarks:
“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,” Belichick stated.
Current Steelers coach Mike Tomlin appears set to continue with Russell Wilson as the starting quarterback. Adopting a pragmatic outlook, veteran coach Bill Cowher offered a strategic approach:
“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.
Matching the appropriate quarterback with the right offensive strategy is pivotal for the Steelers. Bill Belichick emphasized the importance of integrating the running game to support the offensive play:
“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,” Belichick noted.
The Steelers' defense remains a strong unit, as recognized by analysts. However, for the team to capitalize on their defensive strengths, a cohesive and effective offensive line must be established. As the Steelers edge closer to the start of the season, the resolution of these offensive line issues becomes a critical focal point.
Reflecting on historical context, Mike Tomczak's experience from 1996 serves as a reminder of the fluctuations and uncertainties that come with quarterback decisions. Tomczak, who started over Kordell Stewart, led the team to a commendable 10-6 record that year, although they ultimately fell in the divisional round of the playoffs.
As preparations for the season’s kickoff intensify, the collaborative insights of seasoned coaches and the adaptability of the team’s current roster will be essential in driving the Steelers toward a successful campaign. For Coach Mike Tomlin, the challenge lies not just in choosing a capable quarterback like Russell Wilson but in ensuring the supporting cast, particularly the offensive line, rises to the occasion to protect and enable their leader.