Roethlisberger Reflects on Fields' Impressive Start
Twenty years ago, a young Ben Roethlisberger took the NFL by storm as a rookie quarterback with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He won all 12 of his regular season starts, bolstered by a dominant defense, inaugurating a career that would eventually make him the youngest starting quarterback to win a Super Bowl. Fast forward to today, Roethlisberger finds himself in the role of an elder statesman, reflecting on the developments within the Steelers' camp, particularly focusing on the young and promising quarterback, Justin Fields.
Fields has led the Steelers to their first 2-0 start since 2020. His performance has been marked by nearly 70% completion of his passes in recent games, securing important road victories against Atlanta and Denver. While the offense managed 18 points against Atlanta and 13 points against Denver, it was the defense that played a pivotal role in these wins, reminiscent of Roethlisberger's rookie year.
Roethlisberger, who understands the weight of expectations on a young quarterback, has been vocal in his support for Fields. "If Russ is healthy, I'm sticking with Justin. I think that he has earned, deserves the right to stay there," says Roethlisberger, underscoring the efficiency and reliability Fields has displayed. Fields, mirroring Roethlisberger's early years, has managed to avoid turnovers, which has been a critical factor in the Steelers' success. "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 adds.
The parallel between Roethlisberger's debut season and Fields' current performance is striking. In 2004, under the guidance of head coach Bill Cowher, Roethlisberger stepped in when Tommy Maddox was injured in Week 2, leading the Steelers to an AFC record of 15 wins. However, their impressive run ended in the AFC Championship Game against the Patriots. Despite the loss, Roethlisberger's poise as a rookie quarterback was evident and set the stage for his illustrious career.
Fields, in a similar fashion, has shown remarkable composure and maturity beyond his years. "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 comments, acknowledging the importance of maintaining momentum. The Steelers' recent wins, characterized by disciplined play and strategic execution, reflect a team coming together under Fields' leadership.
As for Chris Boswell's contribution, his six field goals in Atlanta were instrumental, highlighting the team's reliance on precision and consistency. The defense, a cornerstone of the Steelers' strategy, has also stepped up, much like in Roethlisberger's early days, ensuring the team can capitalize on every opportunity Fields provides.
Reflecting on his own career, Roethlisberger offers sage advice to the young quarterback: "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." His words echo the fundamental truth of the game: success as a quarterback is ultimately measured by victories.
"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," Roethlisberger concludes, emphasizing the ethos that has always driven him. His reflections and advice to Fields resonate with the wisdom accumulated over a storied career.
As Justin Fields continues to carve out his path with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the support and insights from a veteran like Roethlisberger serve as invaluable guidance. While the season is still young, Fields' performance has already begun to draw comparisons to Roethlisberger's remarkable rookie year — a promising sign for Steelers fans who hope to see their team thrive under his leadership.