Twenty years ago, a young Ben Roethlisberger burst onto the NFL scene, leading the Pittsburgh Steelers with an undefeated record in his 12 regular season starts. Fast forward to today, and another promising quarterback, Justin Fields, is making headlines in Pittsburgh by steering the Steelers to their first 2-0 start since 2020. Fields' impressive start has drawn comparisons to Roethlisberger's rookie year, and it's easy to see why.
Fields' Efficiency Under Scrutiny
So far this season, Fields has showcased remarkable efficiency, completing nearly 70% of his passes in recent games. He has also demonstrated impressive ball security, with no turnovers in either contest. It's not just his statistical performance that's drawing attention but also his command and poise under center.
The Steelers' offense has posted modest point totals, managing 18 points against Atlanta and 13 against Denver, but it's been enough to secure victories. A key factor in these wins has been the reliability of kicker Chris Boswell, who contributed significantly with six field goals in Atlanta.
Defense: The Backbone of Success
Much like Roethlisberger's rookie year, Fields is benefitting from a formidable defense. The defense played a critical role in the recent wins, keeping opposition offenses in check and providing crucial support to the developing quarterback. Complementing the defensive efforts is Fields' ability to protect the ball, which has been instrumental in maintaining possession and controlling the game’s tempo.
Veteran Insight from Roethlisberger
Ben Roethlisberger has taken notice of Fields' early accomplishments and offers insights rooted in his own experience. "If Russ is healthy, I'm sticking with Justin. I think that he has earned, deserves the right to stay there," Roethlisberger asserted, emphasizing the importance of riding the momentum built under Fields.
Roethlisberger further highlighted Fields' adept handling of play: "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." His advice underscores the value of consistency and stability, essential elements for a young quarterback navigating their inaugural games.
This sentiment is echoed in Roethlisberger’s reflections on his own career: "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." For Fields, maintaining this rhythm could be critical in establishing a successful season.
Bigger Picture for Fields
While fans might clamor for eye-popping stats, Roethlisberger offers a more grounded perspective: "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."
Roethlisberger emphasizes the paramount importance of wins and turnovers. "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."
Reflecting on his approach, Roethlisberger elaborates: "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." His words resonate with the ethos that has long defined Pittsburgh's gridiron philosophy.
Injury Concerns for Russell Wilson
On the side, Russell Wilson’s calf injury, which began just before training camp and was aggravated two weeks ago, has added another layer of complexity to the Steelers' quarterback picture. With Wilson's health in question, the stability Fields has brought to the starting role becomes even more valuable.
As the season progresses, Justin Fields will have the opportunity to solidify his place in Steelers lore. With continued support from a robust defense, contributions from dependable special teams, and the wisdom of a veteran like Roethlisberger, Fields is well-positioned to make his mark and possibly lead the Steelers to new heights.