Twenty years ago, a young Ben Roethlisberger began his illustrious career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, stepping in as a rookie quarterback and leading the team to an impeccable 12-0 record in the regular season. Fast forward to today, and another promising quarterback, Justin Fields, is making waves for the Steelers, guiding them to their first 2-0 start since 2020. Fields, with his precision and poise, has completed nearly 70% of his passes in recent games, making fans and analysts alike take notice.
The Rise of Justin Fields
Fields has been instrumental in securing road victories against the Atlanta Falcons and Denver Broncos. The Steelers’ offense, under his leadership, tallied 18 points against Atlanta and 13 against Denver, while kicker Chris Boswell’s six field goals in the Falcons game highlighted a tactical approach to scoring. Despite these modest point totals, the narrative around Fields is not merely about the numbers but his ability to secure wins and protect the football—he hasn't committed any turnovers in either game.
Reflecting on his own early years, Roethlisberger sees a kindred spirit in Fields. He states, “If Russ is healthy, I'm sticking with Justin. I think that he has earned, deserves the right to stay there.” Roethlisberger appreciates Fields’ efficiency and ball security, qualities that he himself valued during his playing 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,” he adds, highlighting the importance of stability in the quarterback position.
Defensive Backbone
The Steelers’ recent successes cannot solely be attributed to Fields. A dominant defense, reminiscent of the one that bolstered Roethlisberger during his rookie year, has been critical. In both games, the defense played a pivotal role, ensuring that the team emerged victorious, even with low offensive scores. The ability to rely on a steadfast defense offers Fields the comfort to grow and make plays, knowing the other side of the ball is just as competent.
Roethlisberger’s Endorsement
Ben Roethlisberger’s words carry weight not just due to his storied career but because he understands the pressures and responsibilities of being a young quarterback in Pittsburgh. “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,” he observes. Roethlisberger emphasizes the value of maintaining the current trajectory, a sentiment that reflects his experience and strategic thinking.
Moreover, he cherishes the intangible aspects of quarterbacking that often go unnoticed. “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,” Roethlisberger notes. His advice to Fields is deeply rooted in the wisdom of his career: “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.”
Looming Challenges and Historic Legacies
Looking back, Roethlisberger’s own career was marked by a combination of personal talent and team cohesiveness. In 2004, under head coach Bill Cowher, and following an injury to then-starter Tommy Maddox, Roethlisberger helped the Steelers set an AFC record with 15 wins. Though they eventually fell to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game, the foundation of Roethlisberger’s long-term success was clearly laid. Eventually, he became the youngest starting quarterback to win a Super Bowl, solidifying his legacy.
As Fields continues his journey, the comparisons to Roethlisberger's early years are inevitable. Yet, what stands out is the emerging narrative of a young quarterback learning, adapting, and succeeding under the spotlight. Roethlisberger’s supportive words and the Steelers' defensive resilience point towards a season of potential and promise. For Pittsburgh, the hope is that Fields can emulate the spirit and success of his predecessor, while carving out his unique path in the storied annals of Steelers history.