Two Decades Apart, Rookie Successes Shape Steelers' Destiny
Twenty years ago, Ben Roethlisberger burst onto the scene as a rookie quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, setting the stage for a remarkable career. Roethlisberger won all 12 of his regular-season starts, buoyed by a dominant defense. It was a debut that would lead him to become the youngest starting quarterback to win the Super Bowl.
Fast forward to the present, and Steelers fans are witnessing another emerging talent in Justin Fields. Leading the Steelers to their first 2-0 start since 2020, Fields has showcased both efficiency and poise under center. Completing nearly 70% of his passes in recent games, Fields has guided the team to road victories against Atlanta and Denver without committing a single turnover.
Roethlisberger, now a seasoned veteran, offered his take on Fields' performance and potential. "If Russ is healthy, I'm sticking with Justin. I think that he has earned, deserves the right to stay there," Roethlisberger said, highlighting Fields' command of the offense and his effective game management skills. "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 early success of Fields is reminiscent of Roethlisberger's own rookie year. Fields has benefitted not only from his sharp passing but also the contributions of the Steelers' defense, echoing the team dynamic that supported Roethlisberger in 2004. Back then, under the leadership of head coach Bill Cowher, the Steelers set an AFC record with 15 wins and reached the AFC Championship Game, although they ultimately fell to the New England Patriots.
In recent games, the Steelers' offense has shown flashes of potential but still has room to grow. They managed 18 points against Atlanta and 13 points against Denver, with kicker Chris Boswell making crucial contributions by nailing six field goals in Atlanta. "Once you get into a rhythm and you get good things going, you don't want to mess that up," Roethlisberger emphasized. "Let's not mess up the rhythm of the team and what's going on, and I think they're building."
The defense has played a central role in the Steelers' early-season victories, reminiscent of the unit that aided Roethlisberger's rise in his first year. Limiting opponents' scoring opportunities and creating a pressure-cooker environment for opposing quarterbacks have been instrumental in the team's success. Yet, the offense's ability to protect the football—no turnovers in either of Fields' starts—has been equally crucial.
Roethlisberger acknowledges that while impressive statistics are desirable, the ultimate measure of a quarterback's success is their ability to win games. "Would you like to see 400 yards and three touchdowns and one rushing touchdown? Of course you would," Roethlisberger noted. "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."
The veteran quarterback has been candid in his advice to the young signal-caller. "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 insisted.
Russell Wilson, who has been battling a calf injury that began on the eve of training camp, further complicates the quarterback situation. The injury, aggravated two weeks ago, has offered an opportunity for Fields to shine. Roethlisberger's support suggests that the young quarterback's performance has transcended expectations, making a strong case for him to retain the starting position.
Reflecting on his own career, Roethlisberger equates Fields’ focus on wins over personal statistics to 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," he said.
As the Steelers look ahead, the echoes of a storied past intertwine with a hopeful future embodied by Justin Fields. Guided by the wisdom of Roethlisberger and the resilience of a cohesive team, Fields stands poised to carve his own place in the annals of Steelers lore.