Ben Roethlisberger Weighs In on the Steelers' Promising Start Under Justin Fields
Twenty years ago, a young Ben Roethlisberger took the NFL by storm, leading the Pittsburgh Steelers to victory in all 12 of his regular-season starts as a rookie. Playing alongside a dominant defense, Roethlisberger set the foundation for a storied career with the Steelers. Fast forward two decades, and another young quarterback, Justin Fields, is generating buzz in Pittsburgh, guiding the Steelers to their first 2-0 start since 2020.
The Steelers' early success can largely be credited to Fields' efficient performance. Fields completed nearly 70% of his passes in recent games, successfully navigating defenses during their road victories against Atlanta and Denver. Despite the offense managing just 18 points against Atlanta and 13 against Denver, Fields showed poise by not committing any turnovers. His careful stewardship of the football has been critical, as acknowledged by Roethlisberger himself.
Roethlisberger, who recently remarked on Fields' performance, noted, "If Russ is healthy, I'm sticking with Justin. I think that he has earned, deserves the right to stay there." This endorsement highlights Fields' impact on the team, which is not lost on the veteran Roethlisberger, who knows a thing or two about leading a team to victory.
Building on Defense and Special Teams
Much like Roethlisberger's rookie season, the current Steelers squad has relied heavily on their defense to seal victories. The defense's role was particularly evident in their recent games, where they played a critical part in overcoming tough opponents. Additionally, the special teams unit has been pivotal. Kicker Chris Boswell's six field goals in Atlanta were instrumental in securing the win.
Roethlisberger has emphasized the importance of maintaining team rhythm. "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 stated. This advice is particularly pertinent given the delicate balance the Steelers are currently managing between a prolific offense and a stifling defense.
Comparisons to the Roethlisberger Era
The parallels between Fields' and Roethlisberger's early careers are noteworthy. In 2004, under the leadership of head coach Bill Cowher, Roethlisberger stepped in when Tommy Maddox was injured in Week 2. That season saw the Steelers set an AFC record with 15 wins, though they ultimately fell to the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game. Roethlisberger soon made history by becoming the youngest starting quarterback to win the Super Bowl.
For Fields, this season represents an opportunity to make his own mark. Roethlisberger advises him not to be concerned with statistical milestones but to focus on winning. "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 stated.
Handling Expectations and Moving Forward
Winning games may be the ultimate aim, but for a young quarterback like Fields, handling expectations is equally crucial. Roethlisberger acknowledges this challenge, saying, "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."
Reflecting on his career, Roethlisberger shared, "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." This mindset mirrors the core responsibility of any NFL quarterback, which is to lead their team to victory, regardless of the individual stats.
As the Steelers navigate the rest of the season, Fields' composure and ability to manage games will be under the spotlight. With the backing of a stalwart defense and a strategic special teams unit, the Steelers are well-positioned to build on their strong start. The guidance and insights from a seasoned veteran like Roethlisberger only add to the optimism surrounding Fields' potential to carry the Steelers forward.