Steelers Continue to Weigh Quarterback Options Amid Offensive Line Struggles
As the Pittsburgh Steelers inch closer to the start of the new NFL season, the debate over who should take the reins as starting quarterback remains a heated topic. Although seasoned coaches Bill Cowher and Bill Belichick believe the decision is less complicated than it appears to outsiders, the team’s struggles with offensive line performance could heavily influence the final choice.
Russell Wilson has maintained an edge over Justin Fields throughout the preseason. However, neither quarterback has managed to lead a drive that resulted in a touchdown, a shortcoming primarily blamed on the substandard performance of the offensive line. Injuries have significantly affected the line's effectiveness, particularly with key player Troy Fautanu sidelined. Fortunately for the Steelers, Fautanu is expected to return in time for Week 1, which could provide much-needed stability.
Bill Cowher weighed in on the situation, stating, “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 also shared his thoughts on the team’s offensive setup, emphasizing the importance of the 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's good out of the pocket. He’ll be able to hit those play action and passes.”
The Steelers' offensive woes extend beyond the quarterback debate. The inefficiency of their drives can be largely attributed to the subpar performance of the offensive line, which has struggled with consistency throughout the preseason. The absence of Fautanu has undoubtedly been felt, but help may be on the horizon with his anticipated return.
Newcomer Zach Frazier, a rookie showing promise as Pittsburgh’s starting center, is part of the puzzle. Despite his potential, Frazier’s inexperience has been a factor. “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,” Belichick pointed out.
Rookie Mason McCormick adds another layer of potential to the lineup but requires more experience before he can make a significant impact. McCormick’s development could be pivotal for future seasons if aligned with the team’s need to cultivate a formidable offensive line.
The current narrative of the Steelers' quarterback debate mirrors a past decision when Mike Tomczak started over Kordell Stewart in 1996. Tomczak led the team to a 10-6 record that season, although they fell in the divisional round of the playoffs. The parallels draw attention to how pivotal coaching decisions can shape a season's outcome.
Mike Tomlin, the current head coach, continues with Russell Wilson as the starting quarterback, a move supported by experts who argue that resolving issues with the offensive line is crucial for quarterback success. The offensive line's ability to protect their quarterback and facilitate a productive running game remains paramount for the Steelers' success this season. Without marked improvements, the struggles seen in the preseason could extend into the regular games, hampering the team’s overall performance.
As the clock ticks down to Week 1, the Steelers find themselves at a critical juncture. The return of a key player and the development of promising rookies are just a few of the variables that could sway the season for Pittsburgh. With seasoned voices like Cowher and Belichick weighing in, and the leadership of Coach Tomlin, the hope is that strategic decisions off the field will translate to winning results on it.