Twenty years ago, Ben Roethlisberger took the NFL by storm as a rookie quarterback with the Pittsburgh Steelers, winning all 12 of his regular-season starts and playing alongside a dominant defense. Fast forward to today, and a new face is leading the Steelers with similar success. Justin Fields has propelled the Steelers to their first 2-0 start since 2020, showcasing a performance that has impressed Roethlisberger himself.
A Perfect Start
Fields has begun the season on a high note, completing nearly 70% of his passes and ensuring no turnovers in either of his first two games. The Steelers secured crucial road victories against Atlanta and Denver, with Fields efficiently steering the team to narrow wins. The offense managed 18 points against Atlanta and 13 against Denver, with kicker Chris Boswell making a significant contribution, drilling six field goals in the former matchup.
Defense and Discipline
Much like Roethlisberger's rookie campaign, Fields has benefited from a stout defense that played a critical role in both victories. The team's ability to limit opponents' scoring opportunities has relieved some pressure off the young quarterback, allowing him to focus on efficient, mistake-free football.
Roethlisberger, who has been closely observing Fields' progress, acknowledges the importance of rhythm and continuity for a team. "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," Roethlisberger remarked.
Learning from a Legend
Roethlisberger's comments carry weight, given his own storied career. He became the youngest starting quarterback to win the Super Bowl and led the Steelers to an AFC record with 15 wins in the 2004 season. Reflecting on Fields' early success, Roethlisberger said, "If Russ is healthy, I'm sticking with Justin. I think that he has earned, deserves the right to stay there. 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."
Roethlisberger emphasized the importance of winning and taking care of the football over individual statistics. "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."
Fields' Focus on Fundamentals
Fields seems to have taken this advice to heart. His primary objectives have been to secure wins and minimize mistakes, echoing Roethlisberger's philosophy. The young quarterback’s poise and control have been evident, even though the offensive output may not be gaudy. "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," observed Roethlisberger.
Eyes on the Prize
Roethlisberger's words highlight the essence of the quarterback position: to lead the team to victory, regardless of personal statistics. "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.
As the Steelers continue their season, Fields will look to build on his strong start, guided by the principles that once propelled Roethlisberger to legendary status. Underlining the necessity for teamwork and efficiency, Fields’ early performances indicate a promising path ahead for the Steelers. The combination of a resilient defense and an error-free offense appears to be a winning formula reminiscent of the Roethlisberger era. Fields embodies the wisdom imparted by Roethlisberger, keeping the focus on securing victories while tending to the fundamentals.
With Fields at the helm, the Steelers are creating an exciting narrative, potentially adding another memorable chapter to the franchise's illustrious history. As the season progresses, the young quarterback's development and the team's successes will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, eager to see if Fields can sustain his impressive start and lead the Steelers to greater heights.