As the NFL preseason unfolds, the Pittsburgh Steelers confront the crucial decision of selecting their starting quarterback. This debate, often a painstaking process for any team, seems more straightforward to seasoned coaches Bill Cowher and Bill Belichick.
Russell Wilson stands tall as the frontrunner in this quarterback race, consistently outperforming Justin Fields. However, neither Wilson nor Fields has managed to lead a touchdown drive during this year's preseason matches. The primary culprit? The offensive line's subpar performance.
The absence of key offensive lineman Troy Fautanu, who has been sidelined due to an injury, has significantly impacted the team's efficiency. Fortunately, Fautanu is expected to make his return in Week 1, offering a glimmer of hope for improved offensive stability. Veteran newcomer Zach Frazier, hailed as Pittsburgh’s starting center, has shown great potential despite being a rookie. Meanwhile, Mason McCormick, another rookie, has displayed the promise necessary, though he requires more time and experience to make a significant impact this season.
Coaches Weigh In
Bill Cowher, a former head coach himself, suggests a pragmatic approach: “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. If you have to take Russell out, he’s been there before. It’s not going to destroy his confidence. 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 shares a similarly strategic outlook, emphasizing the importance of the running game under Coach Mike Tomlin's leadership: “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.”
Offensive Line Troubles
This season, the Steelers find themselves grappling with formidable issues beyond the quarterback position. The offensive line has struggled with consistency, further exacerbated by the loss of Troy Fautanu. With Broderick Jones now playing right tackle and Dan Moore Jr. at left tackle, the line has undergone considerable reshuffling.
Belichick pointedly addresses these challenges: “I think they have bigger problems than the quarterback position. That’s my opinion. I think that the defense is a pretty solid unit. 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 Path Forward
Current Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is opting to continue with Russell Wilson as the starting quarterback, aligning with the viewpoints shared by Cowher and Belichick. Experts unanimously agree that addressing the offensive line's issues is imperative for the team's overall success. A reliable offensive line not only safeguards the quarterback but also paves the way for an effective running game.
As Week 1 approaches, the anticipated return of Troy Fautanu and the potential growth of rookie players like Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick offer hope for the Steelers. The offensive line's ability to gel and protect their quarterback will be critical, setting the stage for what fans hope to be a triumphant season ahead.