Twenty years ago, Pittsburgh Steelers' rookie quarterback Ben Roethlisberger made an indelible mark by winning all 12 of his regular season starts. Fast forward to the present, and the Steelers have a new spark in Justin Fields, who has led the team to its first 2-0 start since 2020, showcasing early promise and efficiency. Fields, with an impressive completion rate of nearly 70% in recent games, has quickly become a focal point for the revitalized Pittsburgh offense.
Fields' Contributions and Team Performance
In their current campaign, the Steelers have secured vital road victories against Atlanta and Denver, despite managing just 18 points against the Falcons and 13 points against the Broncos. Fields' ability to avoid turnovers has been crucial, as noted by Steelers veteran Ben Roethlisberger. "If Russ is healthy, I'm sticking with Justin. I think that he has earned, deserves the right to stay there," Roethlisberger shared, underscoring the young quarterback's merit and the trust he has already built.
The seasoned Roethlisberger, who knows a thing or two about thriving under pressure, elaborated on Fields' game management: "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." This endorsement from a legend who has seen it all in Pittsburgh speaks volumes about Fields’ potential.
Defense and Special Teams Shine
While Fields has garnered much of the spotlight, the Steelers' defense and special teams have also played pivotal roles in their early success. Chris Boswell made six key field goals in the game against Atlanta, providing essential points when the offense struggled to find the end zone. The defense, meanwhile, delivered crucial stops to secure these victories, reminiscent of the stout defensive fronts that marked Roethlisberger's early tenure with the team.
Injury Woes in the NFL
As the Steelers march forward, other teams wrestle with injury setbacks. Russell Wilson's aggravated calf injury, which began during the eve of training camp, illustrates the physical toll the game exacts on its players. Such injuries have an undeniable impact on team dynamics and performance, reminding us of the unpredictability that accompanies each NFL season.
Historical Parallels
Reflecting on the past, it's hard not to draw parallels between Roethlisberger’s rookie year and Fields’ current trajectory. Back in 2004, under the stewardship of head coach Bill Cowher, Roethlisberger stepped in after Tommy Maddox's injury in Week 2 and led the Steelers to an AFC record 15 wins. Although the season ended in disappointment with a loss to the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game, Roethlisberger went on to become the youngest starting quarterback to win a Super Bowl, scripting his legacy in the annals of NFL history.
Roethlisberger's Advice to Fields
Roethlisberger's advice to Fields centers on the significance of winning over individual statistics. "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," Roethlisberger noted.
The NFL veteran elaborated on this theme: "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."
Winning the Hard Way
Roethlisberger’s philosophy on winning aligns with the blue-collar ethos that has long defined the Steelers. "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 stated.
With Fields off to a promising start, the Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves in familiar territory—helmed by a young quarterback navigating the challenges and pressures of leading one of the NFL’s storied franchises. Should Fields continue to heed Roethlisberger’s sagely advice, the Steelers may well be on the cusp of another memorable chapter in their illustrious history.