Twenty years ago, Ben Roethlisberger entered the NFL as a rookie quarterback with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Roethlisberger's debut season was nothing short of spectacular, winning all 12 of his regular season starts, thanks in part to his skill and the support of a dominant defense. The journey that began in 2004 saw Roethlisberger eventually become the youngest starting quarterback to ever win a Super Bowl.
Fast forward to the current season, and Justin Fields is orchestrating another promising start for the Steelers. Leading the team to their first 2-0 start since 2020, Fields has showcased an impressive 70% completion rate in recent games, guiding the Steelers to road victories against Atlanta and Denver. Despite the relatively modest scoring tallies of 18 points against Atlanta and 13 against Denver, it's evident that the Steelers' defense, much like in Roethlisberger’s rookie year, has been instrumental in these victories.
Fields' Efficiency and Composure
Fields, in his second season with the Steelers, has demonstrated remarkable poise and efficiency, completing nearly 70% of his passes and crucially, not committing any turnovers in the first two games. This disciplined approach has earned praise from the former Steelers quarterback himself, Ben Roethlisberger.
"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 commented, highlighting Fields' potential and suggesting that the young quarterback deserves the opportunity to maintain his starting position.
Roethlisberger's Endorsement
Roethlisberger, who knows all too well the pressures and expectations faced by a young quarterback, further commended Fields' ability to protect the football and contribute to the team's victories. "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," he emphasized.
The veteran quarterback also reflected on his career mindset, drawing parallels between himself and Fields. "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 noted, encapsulating the essence of a quarterback's role and the importance of team success over individual statistics.
Challenges and Triumphs
Interestingly, Fields' development comes at a critical time for the Steelers, particularly in the wake of Russell Wilson aggravating a calf injury that had been a concern since the eve of training camp. This injury sidelined Wilson and opened the door for Fields to showcase his talent.
The Steelers, under Fields' guidance, have demonstrated resilience and a capacity to overcome adversity. Chris Boswell's performance in Atlanta, where he made six field goals, is testament to the team's ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities despite offensive struggles.
Looking Back: The 2004 Season
The current narrative brings back memories of the 2004 season when Bill Cowher was at the helm as head coach. Roethlisberger's pathway to success that year was paved when Tommy Maddox was injured in Week 2, thrusting the rookie into the spotlight. The Steelers went on to set an AFC record with 15 wins, only to fall short against the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game.
Roethlisberger's rookie season serves as both a benchmark and a motivational story for Fields and the current Steelers roster. The lessons learned, the perseverance demonstrated, and the ultimate drive for success are all tenets that Fields can draw upon as he carves out his own path with the Steelers.
Moving Forward
While it remains to be seen how the rest of the season will unfold, one thing is clear: Justin Fields has the support and endorsement of one of Pittsburgh’s finest. Roethlisberger’s advice is straightforward yet profound: maintain the winning edge, protect the football, and let the victories define your legacy.
In the end, as Roethlisberger wisely put it, "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." The Steelers, with Fields at the helm, are indeed building, and the journey has just begun.