Twenty years ago, Pittsburgh Steelers' fans witnessed the rise of a rookie quarterback who would leave an indelible mark on the franchise. Ben Roethlisberger, then a fresh face, won all 12 of his regular-season starts, supported by a dominant defense. This spectacular debut set the stage for a career punctuated by Super Bowl victories and numerous accolades. Today, as the Steelers enjoy a 2-0 start to the season, a new quarterback is capturing the headlines, and Roethlisberger has some pointed insights about the young talent at the helm: Justin Fields.
Fields, having secured back-to-back road victories against Atlanta and Denver, is bringing fresh energy to the Steelers, reminiscent of Roethlisberger's early days. "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," Roethlisberger commented, offering a veteran's perspective on the up-and-coming star. Fields' performance has certainly been noticeable, with nearly 70% of his passes completed in recent games and no turnovers committed in either contest.
The defense has once again proven to be a critical element for the Steelers, just as it was during Roethlisberger's rookie year. They managed to hold the Falcons to 18 points and the Broncos to just 13. While the offensive output wasn't explosive, it was enough to secure victories. Aiding the cause was kicker Chris Boswell, whose six field goals against Atlanta underscored his reliability under pressure.
Reflecting on Fields’ performance, Roethlisberger emphasized the importance of rhythm and consistency. "Once you get into a rhythm and you get good things going, you don't want to mess that up," he noted. "Let's not mess up the rhythm of the team and what's going on, and I think they're building."
Fields' emergence is happening against a backdrop of challenges and opportunities. Russell Wilson, who is also a significant player in the AFC, aggravated his calf injury two weeks ago, an issue that originated during the eve of training camp. This injury shuffle may have inadvertently opened the door wider for Fields to showcase his abilities on the bigger stage.
Roethlisberger’s advice to Fields is grounded in his own experience. "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," he said, offering a nugget of wisdom that any young quarterback could benefit from.
Serving as the head coach during Roethlisberger's breakout season, Bill Cowher watched his team set an AFC record with 15 wins in 2004, only to fall short against the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game. The echoes of that season are palpable as Mike Tomlin and his squad aim to carve their own path to glory. Fields’ early success is a testament to a balanced team effort, with the defense and special teams playing their parts well.
Roethlisberger's unwavering support for Fields is clear. "If Russ is healthy, I'm sticking with Justin. I think that he has earned, deserves the right to stay there," he stated unequivocally. And it's not just about the stats. "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."
As Fields continues to lead the Steelers, the focus remains clear. "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," Roethlisberger advised.
With two wins under his belt, Justin Fields has made a compelling case for himself as the Steelers' new leader on the field. It is a role fraught with challenges and steeped in legacy, but as Roethlisberger himself eloquently put it, "As a quarterback, you're supposed to win football games by any means necessary." The current Steelers squad, under Fields' command, seems to be taking those words to heart.