As the Pittsburgh Steelers grapple with the decision of who will start as their quarterback, the insights of seasoned coaches Bill Cowher and Bill Belichick reveal that the choice might not be as complex as it seems to the public. The choice appears to hinge less on the quarterbacks themselves and more on the surrounding circumstances, particularly the performance of the offensive line.
The Quarterback Debate
Russell Wilson has been leading in the quarterback race over Justin Fields, but neither has managed to lead a touchdown drive in preseason play. Despite their struggles, Cowher offers a pragmatic 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.” Cowher's approach aims to manage expectations and maintain Russell's confidence, even if he needs to be momentarily sidelined.
Current Steelers coach Mike Tomlin appears to have taken this advice to heart, leaning towards continuing with Russell Wilson as the starting quarterback.
Offensive Line Woes
The root of the Steelers' offensive struggles may be traced back to the inefficiency of their drives, largely attributed to the substandard performance of the offensive line. Bill Belichick concurs, saying, “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. The guards, they’ve had some issues, too, in the first two preseason games.”
The offensive line has indeed struggled, compounded by the injury of key player Troy Fautanu, who has been sidelined for over a week. However, there is hope on the horizon as Fautanu is expected to return for Week 1. Newcomer Zach Frazier, a promising rookie showing potential as Pittsburgh’s starting center, is still developing and gaining the necessary experience to make a significant impact this season. Meanwhile, tackles Broderick Jones and Dan Moore Jr. are tasked with solidifying the edges of the line.
The Running Game
Improving the offensive line is crucial not just for quarterback protection but also for jumpstarting the running game, which has shown signs of stagnation. Belichick pointed out the importance of establishing a reliable running game: “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 Wilson, known for his efficiency out of the pocket, could thrive with a more balanced offensive attack that integrates effective play-action passes, predicated on a strong running game.
Historical Context
The decision-making challenges faced by Steelers’ coaches are not without historical precedent. In 1996, the Steelers opted to start Mike Tomczak over Kordell Stewart, a choice that led the team to a 10-6 record and a playoff berth, though they fell in the divisional round. The current dilemma, while different in specifics, echoes the same fundamental question of how best to leverage the talent on hand for maximum team success.
Looking Forward
With the regular season imminent, the Steelers' focus must be on resolving their offensive line issues to give their quarterbacks the best possible chance of success. As experts believe, the line's ability to protect the quarterback and facilitate a productive running game will be paramount for the Steelers’ success. The return of Troy Fautanu and the development of Zach Frazier could provide the stability needed upfront, giving Russell Wilson the support he needs to lead the team effectively.
The debate over the starting quarterback might dominate headlines, but as Bill Belichick aptly summarized, “I think they have bigger problems than the quarterback position.” The Steelers' path to success this season will depend largely on their ability to resolve these underlying issues and build a cohesive offensive unit.