Quarterback Dilemma in Pittsburgh: A Closer Look
The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the spotlight as they debate who should start as their quarterback for the upcoming season. While the decision seems daunting to fans and analysts, some seasoned experts have weighed in, suggesting it's not as challenging as it appears.
Both Bill Cowher and Bill Belichick have chimed in on the matter. Cowher, with his deep knowledge of the game, acknowledges the importance of starting Russell Wilson but keeping Justin Fields in the mix. “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 emphasizes.
On the other side, Belichick points out the potential offensive strategies under head coach Mike Tomlin. “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's take aligns with Tomlin’s current decision to continue with Russell Wilson as the starting quarterback.
Offensive Line Struggles
A major concern for the Steelers lies not just in the quarterback position but in the offensive line's performance. Neither Wilson nor Fields has managed to lead a drive ending in a touchdown during preseason play, a shortcoming largely attributable to the subpar offensive line.
Key player Troy Fautanu's absence due to injury has been a significant factor. Fautanu, a critical part of the offensive line, has been out for over a week but is expected to return for Week 1. This return could be a game-changer for the struggling offensive line. Nonetheless, Belichick remains skeptical about the offensive line's current state, asserting, “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.”
Newcomer Zach Frazier, slated as the starting center, shows promise but is still adjusting to the professional level. His development will be crucial as the season progresses. Likewise, rookie Mason McCormick holds potential but needs more experience to make a substantial impact this season.
The Strategic Importance of the Offensive Line
Experts agree that resolving offensive line issues is paramount for the team's success. The line's efficiency directly affects the quarterback's performance and the productivity of the running game. The ability of this unit to protect Wilson or Fields will be critical, especially given the pressure of the upcoming games. Belichick's detailed observation underscores this, illustrating how interconnected each player's role is to the overall success of the team.
Past experiences also shed light on current tactics. In 1996, Mike Tomczak was chosen over Kordell Stewart to start at quarterback. Tomczak led the team to a commendable 10-6 record, although they fell in the divisional round of the playoffs. This historical context demonstrates the weight of making the right decision at the quarterback position, considering both immediate and long-term implications.
As Week 1 approaches, all eyes remain on Pittsburgh. The combination of a strategic quarterback decision, the impact of returning injured players like Fautanu, and the overall cohesion of the offensive line will determine the Steelers' trajectory this season. Only time will tell if the moves made during this critical pre-season period will pay off, but the foundation laid now will undeniably influence the team's performance in the months to come.