Pittsburgh Steelers' Offense Faces Major Overhaul Under Arthur Smith
The Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive playbook is experiencing significant changes this year as Arthur Smith steps into the role of offensive coordinator. Smith, known for his tenure with the Tennessee Titans, has been tasked with revitalizing an offense that's been under scrutiny following last season's struggles.
In a series of pre-season games, the Steelers have faced notable challenges, marked by exhibition losses to both the Houston Texans and the Buffalo Bills. The root of these struggles lies in poor offensive line play, high pre-snap penalties, and inefficiency on possession downs. These issues have been a recurring theme in their pre-season matches, raising concerns about their readiness for the upcoming regular season.
Smith, however, remains cautiously optimistic. Drawing from his experience with the Tennessee Titans, he understands that pre-season performance isn't always indicative of regular-season outcomes. In 2019, the Titans managed just seven points across three pre-season games but turned the tide dramatically by scoring 43 points in their Week 1 game. That season, the Titans went on to rank 10th in the NFL in scoring, and running back Derrick Henry clinched his first of consecutive rushing titles under Smith's guidance.
Despite this, the current situation in Pittsburgh presents its own set of challenges. The quarterback position is a point of contention, with Zach Wilson currently sitting ahead of Justin Fields on the depth chart. In the loss to Buffalo, Wilson completed eight of ten passes for 47 yards but was sacked three times and failed to lead the team to a single score during his time on the field. Fields has similarly struggled to find the end zone throughout the pre-season.
Head Coach Mike Tomlin has the final say on the starting quarterback decision, and whether Wilson will play in the pre-season finale against the Detroit Lions is still up in the air. Meanwhile, the dismissal of former offensive coordinator Matt Canada has paved the way for a significant overhaul in the Steelers' quarterback room, directed by Arthur Smith.
Smith's focus is clear: he aims to hone fundamentals, reduce penalties, and ensure a cohesive offensive performance when the regular season kicks off. "Preseason can distort reality, good or bad. We've all seen it. That's not making excuses. ... That's not our standard. That's not acceptable, but at the same time, would rather go through that now than have that happen Week 1. ... We've got to get out of our own way," Smith acknowledged, encapsulating the sense of urgency and determination within the team.
Smith also expressed his appreciation for the players' perseverance amidst the pre-season challenges. "I give Russ a lot of credit for going out there. I think a lot of guys in that situation may have tapped out. He hadn't had enough reps. He wanted to go out there," Smith remarked, highlighting the resilience of the players as they navigate these trying times.
As the Steelers prepare to close out their pre-season schedule, the focus remains on consolidation and progress. The struggles faced thus far have underscored the need for continuous improvement and meticulous preparation. Smith, for now, is steering a steady course, prioritizing performance fundamentals over immediate results and preparing for the long season ahead.