Ben Roethlisberger shares how he would handle Steelers’ QB situation

Nov 25, 2018; Denver, CO, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) warms up before the game against the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

A lot of people have changed their opinion of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback situation after the first two weeks of the season, and Ben Roethlisberger is one of them.

Roethlisberger discussed the potential quarterback controversy that is brewing in Pittsburgh during the latest episode of his “Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger” podcast, which was released on Monday. The Steelers legend said he initially thought Russell Wilson should step right into a starting role when Wilson is recovered from his calf injury, but Roethlisberger now believes Fields has done enough to keep the job for the time being.

“I like what I’ve seen, I like that he’s getting into it, I like that he’s getting the feel of it,” Roethlisberger said, as transcribed by Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. “If you told me they were 1-1 or 0-2 and these are going on, I’d think they’d have to do something. But, again, 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. I said it last week I wouldn’t, but what I saw, I think that he has earned and deserves the right to stay there.”

Roethlisberger compared the situation to when he first become the starter in Pittsburgh as a rookie in 2004. Tommy Maddox entered the season as the Steelers’ starter but was injured in the third game, which gave Big Ben an opportunity. Roethlisberger never gave the job back and went on to win two Super Bowls in an outstanding career with Pittsburgh.

“I didn’t always put up big numbers, but I prided myself on getting wins, and that’s what you’re supposed to do as a quarterback: You’re supposed to win football games,” Roethlisberger added.

Fields has gone 30/43 for 273 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions through two games. The numbers have been nothing special, but he has not turned the ball over. That is a big reason the Steelers are 2-0.

For now, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin seems like he is willing to stick with what has worked. Wilson is still recovering from a calf injury, so there is no need to make a big decision just yet.