As the Pittsburgh Steelers inch closer to the start of the new NFL season, one of the most pressing questions has been the quarterback situation. While debate swirls in the public sphere, seasoned coaches such as Bill Cowher and Bill Belichick maintain that the decision is straightforward when viewed from inside the organization.
Quarterback Conundrum
Russell Wilson appears to have the upper hand in the quarterback race over Justin Fields. Despite neither quarterback leading a drive that resulted in a touchdown during the preseason, the inefficiency has been largely attributed to the substandard performance of the offensive line.
Bill Cowher offers a strategic perspective: “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.”
Offensive Line Woes
Experts agree that the more significant problem lies not with the quarterbacks but with the offensive line. Key player Troy Fautanu has been sidelined due to an injury but is expected to return for Week 1. His absence has left the line in a vulnerable position, a state not lost on Bill Belichick.
“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 remarked.
New Faces, New Hopes
The arrival of newcomer Zach Frazier as Pittsburgh’s starting center has been a double-edged sword. While he shows great promise, his inexperience has been felt during preseason games. Rookie Mason McCormick also holds potential, but like Frazier, he requires more experience to make a significant impact this season.
Broderick Jones and Dan Moore Jr. are set to anchor the tackle positions, playing right and left tackle, respectively. With Fautanu’s imminent return, the offensive line could see a boost in performance, which in turn should provide more stability for the quarterbacks.
Historical Parallels
Fans and analysts alike recall the 1996 season when Mike Tomczak was chosen to start over Kordell Stewart. Tomczak led the team to a commendable 10-6 record, although they ultimately fell in the divisional round of the playoffs. Current head coach Mike Tomlin hopes to replicate and surpass that success with Russell Wilson as the starting quarterback.
Belichick emphasized the need to develop the running game to complement Wilson’s skills. “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.”
The Road Ahead
In the eyes of many experts, resolving the issues with the offensive line remains paramount. The line's ability to protect their quarterback and facilitate a productive running game will be crucial for the Steelers’ success this season. The preseason has highlighted these challenges, but with strategic adjustments and the return of Troy Fautanu, there is cautious optimism that the Steelers can solidify their performance.
The upcoming season holds significant promise as well as challenges. While the decision on the starting quarterback seems set, the onus will be on the offensive line to step up and provide the necessary support. Steelers fans are keenly watching whether the team can address these gaps and emerge as a formidable unit come Week 1.