Talk about a quarterback debate that rivals the drama of a season finale—it’s happening in Steel City. Russell Wilson was named QB1 and criticism grew. Goes out injured, and a dullness procured. Justin Fields is slated in as a replacement and déjà vu, talks of QB1 reignite. It’s like Pittsburgh is stuck in a cycle of uncertainty, unsure of its future under the center. That’s where you’ve got to let experience take the reins over the mics. And who better than the Dynasty builder Bill Belichick?

“Mike Tomlin’s game plan is the same every week. Doesn’t matter who the quarterback was and what year it was.” That’s what Big Bill said during the Inside the NFL discussion on September 14th, when asked if the Steelers’ strategy would shift to accommodate Fields. The build-up had been all about Russ running the show, but after his injury, things changed. Yet, Bill reminded everyone that Tomlin’s approach doesn’t waver—no matter who’s at the center. It’s like clockwork for Tomlin: play defense, control the clock, and grind out wins.

Belichick didn’t miss a beat as he broke down Tomlin’s style. “Play good defense. Turn the ball over. Get the running game going. Play field position.” Simple, right? It’s that no-frills, old-school approach that’s defined the Steelers. Even during the flashy Killer B’s era, it was all about controlling the ground game with Le’Veon Bell.

Wait, now, for those of you who might be wondering, the ‘Killer B’s’ refers to the 2013-2017 Steelers trio—Antonio Brown, Le’Veon Bell, and Ben Roethlisberger—all offensive stars with ‘B’ initials, in their prime. They stepped onto the gridiron to create chaos.

Back to business. Sure, Big Ben could sling it, but Pittsburgh always leaned on their signature smash mouth football. Even as they transitioned from an aging Roethlisberger to Kenny Pickett, the formula stayed the same—though not quite as effective.

Enter Fields and Wilson, two quarterbacks who could really excel in this style. But with Russ sidelined due to a calf injury, it’s no surprise the ex-Bears first-rounder is taking over. Even the new OC Arthur Smith couldn’t help but praise Fields after Week 1, saying, “He was very disciplined. He wasn’t greedy. When the shots were there, we took advantage of them.”

Fields went 17-of-23 for 156 yards against Atlanta, tacking on another 57 on the ground. With Smith now orchestrating the offense, Tomlin’s old-school playbook might just find its rhythm again.

Bill Belichick schooled Mike Tomlin in head-to-head

Again? Yes! He needs to put into work everything that he learnt from the matchups against Bill’s Patriots. When Bill Belichick and Mike Tomlin squared off, it was always a chess match between two AFC powerhouses. Since Tomlin took the reins in 2007, these two teams were often neck and neck, even clashing in the 2016 AFC Championship. Sure, Belichick usually walked away with the upper hand, but their mutual respect is undeniable. After all, both have defined coaching for nearly two decades.

Tomlin, though, hasn’t had much luck against the Patriots. And this head-to-head record highlights the same.

• Bill Belichick: 10 wins
• Mike Tomlin: 3 wins

The most recent loss in 2023 still stings. It was a game the Steelers should’ve won. But, in typical Belichick fashion, New England had the Steelers scrambling, nearly blowing them out. A late comeback wasn’t enough to stop the bleeding.

• December 8, 2023: Patriots 21, Steelers 18

Tomlin had the tough luck of facing the Belichick-Brady powerhouse. They weren’t just obstacles—they bulldozed through the AFC, leaving little room for contenders like the Steelers.

The only Lombardi parade that Pittsburgh saw under Mike was in 2009 after SB XLIII triumph. Since then, it has been dry, thanks in part to Bill’s Patriots. You can see who came out on top in their three playoff battles.

• Bill Belichick: 2 wins
• Mike Tomlin: 1 win

In 2008, Pittsburgh steamrolled the Patriots 33-14 to punch their ticket to the championship. But that was the last they ever saw the good side of it. And at least twice since then, Belichick stood in their way with the Pats claiming victory in the 2016 AFC Championship and 2017 Divisional Round. Both times? They either went straight to the Super Bowl or knocked on the door. Talk about clutch performances! So, you’ve got to wonder—can Tomlin ever break the spell in these high-stakes moments?

One thing’s clear: if he doesn’t change up his game plan, history might just keep repeating itself. Sure, Bill did not say that Mike’s game plan is too predictable, mainly because he was seeing from the QBs’ POV, but it only took 10 seconds for the 72-year-old to lay down the Steelers’ strategy. What do you think—is it time for a new strategy or more of the same?