As the Pittsburgh Steelers gear up for the upcoming NFL season, a brewing debate centers on who should start as the quarterback. Seasoned coaches Bill Cowher and Bill Belichick have weighed in on the matter, giving insight into what appears to be a complex decision for many onlookers.
Quarterback Controversy
Despite the buzz surrounding the quarterback position, both Cowher and Belichick suggest that the choice might not be as complicated as it seems. Russell Wilson has maintained a clear edge over Justin Fields, despite neither quarterback leading a drive that culminated in a touchdown during preseason play. This inefficiency has largely been attributed to the substandard performance of the offensive line, a crucial element in football that often goes unnoticed in quarterback debates.
Offensive Line Woes
A critical factor in the Steelers' offensive struggles has been the injury to key offensive line player Troy Fautanu, who has been sidelined for over a week. Fautanu is expected to return for Week 1, which could bolster the line's performance considerably. Rookie center Zach Frazier shows promise but, according to Belichick, "he's got a way to go." The guards and tackles have also faced issues, leading to inconsistent protection and limited running game success.
"I think they have bigger problems than the quarterback position. That’s my opinion," said Belichick. "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."
Strategic Insights from Coaching Legends
Both Cowher and Belichick have provided strategic insights into the quarterback dilemma. Cowher is inclined to start the season with Wilson while using Fields in specific packages to provide a potential spark when needed. "If you have to take Russell out, he’s been there before. It’s not going to destroy his confidence," Cowher stated. "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."
Belichick emphasizes the importance of establishing a strong running game to support the quarterbacks. He believes that Arthur Smith is an ideal fit for what Coach Mike Tomlin wants on offense. "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 noted.
Looking Back to Move Forward
Historical context often provides valuable lessons for current challenges. In 1996, Mike Tomczak started the season over Kordell Stewart and led the Steelers to a 10-6 record, ultimately falling in the divisional round of the playoffs. This precedent underscores the potential for veteran quarterbacks to stabilize a team while younger talents develop. Current Steelers coach Mike Tomlin appears to be continuing with this philosophy by sticking with Russell Wilson as the starting quarterback.
Cautious Optimism for the Season
Experts agree that resolving the offensive line issues is paramount for the Steelers' success this season. The line's ability to protect the quarterback and facilitate a productive running game will be crucial. If Fautanu returns as strong as anticipated and Frazier develops quickly, the team could overcome its preseason struggles.
With Wilson at the helm and Fields poised to contribute in strategic moments, the Steelers have a framework in place that could yield positive results. However, the ultimate success lies in how well the offensive line can support these plans and how quickly the injured and less experienced players can rise to the occasion. As the new season approaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these elements come together on the field.