Steelers Find New Rhythm with Justin Fields at the Helm
Steelers Find New Rhythm with Justin Fields at the Helm
Two decades ago, a young Ben Roethlisberger began his storied career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, achieving a perfect 12-0 record in his regular season starts and showcasing the potential that would eventually lead him to become the youngest quarterback to win a Super Bowl. Fast-forward to the current season, and the Steelers are witnessing another promising start with Justin Fields. Despite the challenges, Fields has led the Steelers to their first 2-0 start since 2020, sparking a wave of optimism for Pittsburgh fans.
An Efficient Start
In his recent games, Fields has completed nearly 70% of his passes, demonstrating a level of efficiency that has drawn praise from none other than Roethlisberger himself. The Steelers secured back-to-back road victories against Atlanta and Denver, thanks in large part to the young quarterback's poised performances.
Roethlisberger shared his thoughts on Fields' emergence, saying, "If Russ is healthy, I'm sticking with Justin. I think that he has earned, deserves the right to stay there. 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."
Defensive Backbone
Fields' early success can be attributed not just to his own play but also to the resilient Steelers' defense. In an era where offense often steals the spotlight, Pittsburgh's defense has been the pillar around which the recent victories have been built. During their win in Atlanta, the Steelers' offense managed 18 points, bolstered by kicker Chris Boswell's six field goals. Similarly, against Denver, while the offense tallied only 13 points, the defense stepped up to secure the win.
The importance of this defensive support is not lost on Fields. He has managed to avoid turnovers in both games, a testament to his careful play and the defense's ability to provide him with a stable platform.
Roethlisberger's Perspective
Roethlisberger's insights into Fields' performances offer a veteran's perspective on what truly matters for a quarterback. "Once you get into a rhythm and you get good things going, you don't want to mess that up. Let's not mess up the rhythm of the team and what's going on, and I think they're building," Roethlisberger noted. His words reflect a deep understanding of the game, emphasizing the importance of consistency and team chemistry over individual statistics.
While Fields may not be putting up staggering numbers in terms of yardage or touchdowns, Roethlisberger reiterated the key metrics of success for a quarterback. "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," he remarked.
Looking Back and Moving Forward
The echoes of 2004 linger in the background as the current Steelers navigate their promising start. Back then, under head coach Bill Cowher, the Steelers set an AFC record with 15 wins, although they fell to the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game. Roethlisberger's rookie season was marked by both personal and team achievements, setting a high standard for future quarterbacks in Pittsburgh.
Justin Fields has begun carving out his own legacy. His careful handling of the football and ability to make critical plays when needed align with Roethlisberger's philosophy of valuing wins over individual accolades. "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.
The Road Ahead
For the Steelers, the challenges will only intensify as the season progresses. The consistency that Fields has demonstrated, combined with the Steelers' stalwart defense, will be crucial in maintaining their winning momentum. Roethlisberger's endorsement underscores the belief that Fields deserves to continue leading the team, a sentiment that resonates with the Steelers' faithful.
Reflecting on his own career, Roethlisberger said, "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." It's clear that Fields is imbibing this ethos, focusing on what's truly significant for the team’s success.
As the Steelers march forward, the echoes of the past blend with the promise of the present, offering a renewed sense of hope and excitement for what lies ahead.
