Twenty years ago, Ben Roethlisberger began an illustrious career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, turning heads as a rookie quarterback. In what remains one of the most remarkable introductions to the NFL, Roethlisberger won all 12 of his regular season starts in his rookie year, benefiting greatly from playing alongside a dominant defense. Fast forward to today, and another young quarterback, Justin Fields, is making waves in Pittsburgh.
While the comparison between Roethlisberger and Fields is unavoidable, the latter’s early success with the Steelers is generating considerable buzz. Leading Pittsburgh to their first 2-0 start since 2020, Fields has completed nearly 70% of his passes in recent games, managing an efficient offense while securing road victories against Atlanta and Denver. The Steelers' offensive output may look modest on paper—scoring 18 points against Atlanta and 13 against Denver—but it has been effective, largely due to the contributions of players like kicker Chris Boswell, who made six field goals in Atlanta.
Complementing Fields' prowess is the Steelers’ defensive unit, which has played a critical role in the team’s recent wins. Fields' careful management of the game has also been a highlight, with zero turnovers committed in either contest, an impressive feat given the pressure and stakes.
Roethlisberger’s Endorsement
Ben Roethlisberger has watched Fields' performance keenly and is quick to voice his support. "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 that Fields has more than justified his role as a starter. "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 importance of maintaining momentum is not lost on Roethlisberger. "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 added. Roethlisberger’s emphasis echoes his own experience; after Tommy Maddox was injured in Week 2 of the 2004 season, Roethlisberger seized the opportunity, culminating in a season that saw the Steelers set an AFC record with 15 wins, although they fell short against the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game. His career highlight came when he became the youngest starting quarterback to win the Super Bowl.
Performance Metrics
By traditional metrics, Fields' numbers might not leap off the page. "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," Roethlisberger remarked.
The pragmatism in Roethlisberger’s advice to Fields is evident. "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." These insights come from a seasoned veteran who admits, "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."
Looking Ahead
As the season progresses, the Steelers will be tested further, and Fields’ ability to lead under pressure will continue to be scrutinized. However, the early signs are promising. The team's balanced approach, with a focus on strong defense and careful ball management, reflects a strategy designed to maximize their current strengths. Moreover, the support and mentorship from players like Roethlisberger can only serve to bolster Fields' confidence and development.
It's a long road ahead, but if Justin Fields can continue to build on his early success, he might just carve out a significant chapter in Steelers' illustrious history, much like the greats who came before him.