Twenty years ago, Ben Roethlisberger stepped onto the field as a rookie quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, embarking on a journey that would etch his name in the annals of NFL history. In his debut season, Roethlisberger won all 12 of his regular season starts, demonstrating poise and leadership, much helped by a dominant Steelers defense. Fast forward to the present, a parallel narrative is unfolding with Justin Fields at the helm, as he leads the Steelers to their first 2-0 start since 2020.
Fields has shown remarkable efficiency, completing nearly 70% of his passes in recent games. The Steelers secured important road victories against formidable opponents like Atlanta and Denver, with the team's offense managing 18 points against Atlanta and 13 against Denver. These wins have emphasized the essential role of the Steelers' defense and the steady hand of Fields, who committed no turnovers in either contest.
A Season of Opportunity
Fields' performance has not gone unnoticed by Roethlisberger, who knows a thing or two about seizing opportunities as a young quarterback. "If Russ is healthy, I'm sticking with Justin. I think that he has earned, deserves the right to stay there," Roethlisberger stated, underscoring his belief in Fields' capability to lead the team. He added, "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."
The former Steelers legend further elaborated, "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." These words resonate with the essence of team chemistry and the importance of maintaining momentum in a fledgling season.
The Importance of Efficient Play
Roethlisberger's insight into what makes a winning quarterback extends beyond just the flashy stats. "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."
It's clear that efficiency and ball security are highly prized, especially when considering Fields' flawless turnover record in the first two games. Roethlisberger's advice is rooted in his own experience, emphasizing that wins and avoiding turnovers trump individual stat lines. "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.
Historical Parallels
Roethlisberger's own journey in the NFL saw him becoming the youngest starting quarterback to win the Super Bowl, a testament to his ability to lead and secure victories under pressure. The 2004 season, with Bill Cowher as the head coach and Roethlisberger stepping in for an injured Tommy Maddox, saw the Steelers set an AFC record with 15 wins. Though that dream season ended in a loss to the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game, it set the stage for Roethlisberger's storied career.
This historical context adds an extra layer of significance to Fields' current success. Like Roethlisberger, Fields is demonstrating that the key to a successful season is not just individual brilliance but a cohesive team effort and strategic playmaking. Roethlisberger's reflections on his own approach, "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," align perfectly with the current trajectory the Steelers are on with Fields.
As the Steelers press forward into the season, the echoes of past successes serve as a guiding light. Justin Fields, with the endorsement of a Steelers legend and a robust team effort backing him, is poised to carve out his own chapter in the esteemed history of the Pittsburgh franchise. Guided by efficiency, resilience, and a collective focus on the ultimate goal of winning, the Steelers’ potential this season seems boundless.