The Pittsburgh Steelers are currently at a crossroads when it comes to deciding their starting quarterback. While this decision may appear daunting to fans and outsiders, seasoned coaches Bill Cowher and Bill Belichick believe the choice is clearer than it seems.
The Quarterback Race
The contest for the starting quarterback position has seen Russell Wilson maintain a lead over Justin Fields. Despite Wilson's dominance in the race, neither he nor Fields has managed to lead a drive that culminated in a touchdown during preseason play. This inefficiency has largely been attributed to the subpar performance of the offensive line. According to experts, rectifying these offensive line issues is crucial for the quarterbacks to succeed. Bill Cowher opined, “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.”
Offensive Line Woes
One of the glaring reasons for the struggling offense is the underwhelming performance of the offensive line. Key player Troy Fautanu has been sidelined due to injury but is expected to return for Week 1. During his absence, the Steelers' line has struggled to protect their quarterbacks and facilitate a productive running game. Bill Belichick remarked, “I think they have bigger problems than the quarterback position. 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.”
Hope on the Horizon
Despite these challenges, there are some glimmers of hope. Newcomer Zach Frazier has shown great promise as Pittsburgh’s starting center, although he is still a rookie and needs time to fully develop into his role. Likewise, rookie Mason McCormick holds potential, though he requires more experience to make a significant impact this season. Belichick highlighted the importance of kickstarting the running game to alleviate pressure on the quarterback, stating, “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.”
Lessons from the Past
History provides a useful lesson for the Steelers. In 1996, Mike Tomczak started over Kordell Stewart and led the team to a 10-6 record, only to fall in the divisional round of the playoffs. It proves that sometimes, experience and stability at the quarterback position can make all the difference in the short term. Current Steelers coach Mike Tomlin appears to be taking a page out of this playbook, opting to continue with Russell Wilson as the starting quarterback.
A Test of Depth
The Steelers' success this season will heavily depend on the offensive line's ability to protect their quarterback and establish a productive running game. As it stands, the return of Troy Fautanu will be crucial, and the development of young talents like Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick will need to accelerate. The input of experienced coaches like Bill Cowher and Bill Belichick provides valuable insight, emphasizing the need for consistency and the importance of not rushing young talents into high-pressure roles.
While the quarterback position often gets the most attention, the Steelers' true test this season may very well lie in the trenches. Fixing the offensive line issues and providing adequate protection could be the key to unlocking a successful campaign. Only time will tell if these adjustments will bear fruit, but the blueprint is clear, and the Steelers have the pieces in place to make the necessary improvements.