Twenty years ago, a young Ben Roethlisberger took the Pittsburgh Steelers by storm, executing an impeccable rookie season that left an indelible mark on the franchise and its fans. Roethlisberger's uncanny ability to lead, complemented by a formidable defense, saw him win all 12 of his regular season starts. Fast forward to the present, and it seems the Steelers have found another promising leader in Justin Fields.
A New Hope in Justin Fields
Justin Fields has now piloted the Steelers to their first 2-0 start since 2020, demonstrating remarkable efficiency and poise. Completing nearly 70% of his passes in recent games, Fields has orchestrated key victories on the road against Atlanta and Denver. The offense might not be lighting up scoreboards—with 18 points against Atlanta and 13 against Denver—but the win column remains pristine, thanks in part to Fields' astute handling of the football with no turnovers.
"If Russ is healthy, I'm sticking with Justin," Roethlisberger recently opined. "I think that he has earned, deserves the right to stay there." This endorsement from a franchise legend speaks volumes about Fields' impact. Not only does it indicate confidence in Fields' ability to lead, but it also showcases a belief in nurturing the rhythm and chemistry currently building within the team.
The Steadfast Defense and Strategic Kicking
The Steelers' recent successes extend far beyond Fields' decision-making. A stalwart defense has played a critical role in both triumphs, sufficiently containing opposing offenses to seal victories. Chris Boswell's kicking prowess has also been on full display; in Atlanta, his six field goals were vital to squeezing out a win.
Roethlisberger, reflecting on Fields' efficiency, noted, "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." For a quarterback not initially slated to start this season, going 2-0 and maintaining possession is no small feat, even if the offensive fireworks are subdued.
Learning From the Past
Roethlisberger's own rookie season under Coach Bill Cowher in 2004 saw the team set an AFC record with 15 wins, only to fall short in the AFC Championship Game against the Patriots. By drawing parallels between his journey and Fields', Roethlisberger offers an intriguing lens through which to view the budding star. "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," he remarked.
Those who study the game will appreciate that success often boils down to more than just individual stats. Roethlisberger affirms this sentiment, advising Fields, "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."
Quarterbacking with Poise
Such sage advice undoubtedly stems from Roethlisberger’s own experiences. Reflecting on his career, he stated, "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." This no-nonsense approach has clearly resonated with Fields, who appears to be embracing a methodology oriented around winning first and foremost.
While it remains to be seen whether Fields will replicate Roethlisberger's legendary trajectory, the early signs are promising. The fledgling signal-caller is making fewer mistakes, executing plays when it matters, and most critically—leading his team to victories. With a defense that rises to the occasion and a steady foot like Boswell's to rely on, the Steelers under Fields are carving out their own narrative.