Twenty years ago, a young quarterback named Ben Roethlisberger began his journey with the Pittsburgh Steelers, a journey that would ultimately rewrite the team's history. Roethlisberger, in his rookie season, experienced unprecedented success with a perfect 12-0 record in regular-season starts, supported by a formidable Steelers defense. Fast forward to the present, and while it might not be Roethlisberger under center, Pittsburgh fans have new reasons to be hopeful. Justin Fields has led the Steelers to their first 2-0 start since 2020, drawing parallels to the early days of Big Ben.
Impressive Beginnings
Fields has showcased remarkable efficiency in the opening games of the season. With a completion rate nearing 70%, he has displayed poise and precision rare for a quarterback so early in his Steelers' tenure. Equally noteworthy is the zero turnovers committed by Fields in the first two contests. His careful ball-handling has contributed significantly to the team's victories against Atlanta and Denver.
Field Goals and Defensive Prowess
While Fields has held his own, the contributions from other team members have proven vital. Chris Boswell, for instance, made six field goals in the game against Atlanta, underpinning the Steelers' ability to put points on the board even when their offense struggled to find the end zone. On the defensive side, just as it was in Roethlisberger's rookie year, the Steelers' defense has been instrumental in securing these early wins. They held Atlanta to 18 points and limited Denver to just 13, proving their dominance when it matters most.
Leadership and Advice from Roethlisberger
Reflecting on Fields' performance, Roethlisberger, now an elder statesman in the sport, provides insightful commentary. "If Russ is healthy, I'm sticking with Justin. I think that he has earned, deserves the right to stay there," Roethlisberger remarks, emphasizing the young quarterback's rightful place as the starter.
Roethlisberger appreciates Fields' methodical approach, saying, "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." It's clear that the former Steelers quarterback values the balance of risk and reward in Fields' gameplay, highlighting the importance of maintaining momentum: "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."
The Value of Winning
Roethlisberger generously shares wisdom from his own experience, advising Fields to focus on the essentials. "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," he states, cementing the idea that victory and ball security trump personal statistics.
He reflects on his own career, noting, "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." These insights carry the weight of experience and underscore the core objective in football—winning.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the promising start, Fields and the Steelers face ongoing challenges. Russell Wilson, one of their competitors, has been hindered by a calf injury aggravated two weeks ago, which dates back to the eve of training camp. On the other hand, the Steelers' path forward will demand continued resilience and adaptability from Fields and his teammates.
Roethlisberger's illustrious history with the Steelers includes leading the team to an AFC record of 15 wins in the 2004 season and an appearance in the AFC Championship Game against the Patriots. While his rookie season did not culminate in a Super Bowl victory, it set the stage for future triumphs, including becoming the youngest starting quarterback to win a Super Bowl.
The legacy of that storied past is not lost on today's team and fans alike. As Justin Fields navigates the early stages of his tenure with the Steelers, he does so under the shadow of greatness, taking cues from a legend while building a journey all his own. With a key focus on securing wins, minimizing turnovers, and benefiting from a strong defense, Fields is on a promising path.