Ben Roethlisberger's Legacy and the Emergence of Justin Fields
Twenty years ago, Ben Roethlisberger burst onto the NFL scene as a rookie quarterback with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In a season that remains etched in fans’ memories, Roethlisberger won all 12 of his regular season starts, supported by a formidable Steelers defense. The 2004 season catapulted Roethlisberger into the league’s spotlight, as he guided Pittsburgh to an AFC record 15 wins before ultimately falling short to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game. Despite the loss, Roethlisberger's impact was undeniable, setting the stage for a legendary career that would see him become the youngest starting quarterback to win a Super Bowl.
Fast forward to the present, and the Steelers find themselves in the midst of another promising start, this time with Justin Fields at the helm. Fields has led Pittsburgh to a 2-0 record to start the season, their best opening since 2020. The young quarterback has shown remarkable composure, completing nearly 70% of his passes without committing a single turnover in victories over Atlanta and Denver.
Roethlisberger, now retired but still closely observing his former team, has been vocal in his praise for Fields. "If Russ is healthy, I'm sticking with Justin. I think that he has earned, deserves the right to stay there," Roethlisberger commented, emphasizing the importance of maintaining momentum. "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."
Fields' performance has been marked by a blend of efficiency and resilience. Playing against Atlanta, the Steelers' offense managed just 18 points, but it was enough to secure the win, thanks in part to Chris Boswell's six field goals. The defense also played a pivotal role, as it did again in Denver, where the team held on for a 13-10 victory.
The strategic formula of strong defense complemented by a mistake-free offense has echoes of Roethlisberger's rookie season. During that year, the Steelers thrived under head coach Bill Cowher, adapting swiftly after an early-season injury to starting quarterback Tommy Maddox. Handed the reins, Roethlisberger guided the team with a focus on winning, rather than personal statistics—a philosophy he seems to have passed on to Fields, either directly or through the Steelers' enduring culture.
"Once you get into a rhythm and you get good things going, you don't want to mess that up," Roethlisberger noted. "Let's not mess up the rhythm of the team and what's going on, and I think they're building." This continuity is crucial as the Steelers look to build on their early successes this season.
Looking back at his own career, Roethlisberger reflects a mindset focused on the ultimate team goal rather than individual accolades. "Would you like to see 400 yards and three touchdowns and one rushing touchdown? Of course you would," he said. "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." His advice to Fields is rooted in simplicity and effectiveness. "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."
This focus on the fundamentals is evidently paying off for Fields. His ability to manage the game effectively, avoid turnovers, and make the right plays at crucial moments is reminiscent of Roethlisberger’s early years. In both cases, the Steelers' robust defense has been a cornerstone of their victories, allowing their young quarterbacks to grow into their roles without the pressure of carrying the team single-handedly.
"I didn't always put up big numbers, but I prided myself in getting wins, and that's what you're supposed to do," Roethlisberger recalled. "As a quarterback, you're supposed to win football games by any means necessary." This legacy of prioritizing team wins over personal milestones seems well-entrusted to Justin Fields, as he embarks on his journey with the Steelers.
As Pittsburgh fans relish the return to winning ways, there’s a palpable sense of history repeating itself. The emergence of Justin Fields could mark the beginning of another era of sustained success for the Steelers, mirroring the unforgettable impact of a rookie quarterback two decades ago.