Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger thinks the Steelers should ride the hot hand and keep Justin Fields as the starter. Russell Wilson missed the first two games with a calf injury, and while the offense hasn’t been humming, Roethlisberger thinks Fields showcased against Denver that he’s the best option for the team at quarterback. Fields’ stat line would have looked a lot better if it wasn’t for penalties.
Fields threw a remarkable ball to George Pickens for a 51-yard gain, but it was negated due to a Broderick Jones’ holding penalty. Fields had a couple of passes that were absolute dimes. He also was impressive as a runner.
“He’s not turning the ball over, they’re 2-0, big test this week with the Chargers coming to town. To me, if Russ is healthy, I’m sticking with Justin,” Roethlisberger said on his Footbahlin podcast. “I said it last week I wouldn’t, but what I saw (against Denver), I think he has earned and deserves the right to stay there.”
Roethlisberger emphasized how crucial it is that Fields has not turned the ball over. That part of the game has been a big improvement for Fields, who turned the ball over 41 times in three years with the Chicago Bears. Fields and Josh Allen are the only 2-0 quarterbacks without a turnover this year.
“In my opinion right now, he has not turned the ball over. Even if they were 2-0 and his stats were just OK and he’s had a turnover or two, I know there was a bobbled snap today but I don’t think he was even ready for the snap. So that’s not on him, and they got it (back),” Roethlisberger said.
Former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick doesn’t think the game plan changes much with Fields as the Steelers’ starting quarterback. Fields has not hurt the team with careless turnovers, which is exactly what Mike Tomlin wants from his starting quarterback.
“Mike Tomlin’s game plan is the same every week,” Belichick said on Inside the NFL. “It doesn’t matter who the quarterback was or what year it is. Play good defense. Turn the ball over. You know, try to get the run game going. But play good field position, make them drive it against that defense, don’t give up many points and win. I don’t want to say win ugly. But win.”
With Fields leading the Steelers to a 2-0 start, it could be a repeat of last year when Tomlin stuck with the hot hand in Mason Rudolph at the end of the season.
“Don’t be surprised if Tomlin continues to have Fields start, sources say, even if (Russell) Wilson has recovered from his aggravated calf injury,” Ian Rapoport of NFL Network said. “It would not necessarily be a benching, but more of a continuation of what is working under center.”
Last Tuesday, Tomlin wasn’t into hypotheticals when asked if Russell Wilson would start against Denver if healthy. The Steelers plan to have Fields start in the home opener against the Los Angeles Chargers, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
“I’m not going to soothe you with hypothetical scenarios,” Tomlin said. “Our energies and attention are on those that are available and are scheduled to play. When those that are not [get] healthy, we’ll ponder it at that time.”
Former Steelers cornerback Patrick Peterson believes if Fields goes 3-0, he will become the starter in Pittsburgh.
“Just being around there last year, I’m telling you, if you the young fella goes 3-0, mark my words: he will be the starter,” Peterson said.
