Pittsburgh Steelers' Offensive Woes and Arthur Smith’s Task Ahead
The Pittsburgh Steelers have welcomed Arthur Smith as their new offensive coordinator, hoping his past successes can translate into a rejuvenated offensive scheme. Smith transitions to Pittsburgh from Tennessee, where he led the Titans' offense in 2019. That year, the Titans scored a mere seven points over three preseason games, only to erupt with 43 points in Week 1 of the regular season. They finished 10th in the NFL in scoring, driven by Derrick Henry, who began his streak of consecutive rushing titles.
However, Smith’s arrival in Pittsburgh has been met with early challenges. In recent exhibition games, the Steelers suffered losses to Houston and Buffalo, plagued by poor offensive line play, pre-snap penalties, and an inability to convert on possession downs. During the preseason matchup against Buffalo, quarterback Zach Wilson went 8 of 10 for 47 yards but was sacked three times and failed to lead the team to a single score during his time on the field.
Meanwhile, Justin Fields, who is also competing for the quarterback position, has struggled similarly, failing to generate points throughout the preseason. The decision on the starting quarterback ultimately rests with Head Coach Mike Tomlin, who must choose between Wilson and Fields. As it stands, Wilson sits atop the depth chart, though a decision on whether he will play in Pittsburgh’s preseason finale against Detroit is still pending.
Smith’s Approach and Overhauls
Smith’s tenure in Pittsburgh has seen significant changes, particularly in the quarterback room. Last season, under then-offensive coordinator Matt Canada and quarterback Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh’s starting offense scored touchdowns on each of its five preseason possessions. Despite this, the regular-season struggles led to Canada’s dismissal and the subsequent overhaul directed by Smith.
Smith's focus now is on honing fundamentals, reducing penalties, and ensuring cohesive performances when the regular season begins. "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 emphasized.
Smith also commended players for their perseverance despite limited opportunities. "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 said, acknowledging the challenges faced with limited preseason reps and the effort to make the most of what’s available.
The Quarterback Conundrum
The competition between Wilson and Fields adds another layer of complexity to the Steelers’ preseason narrative. Both have demonstrated potential and areas needing improvement. Wilson’s current position atop the depth chart reflects a slight edge, yet his performance against Buffalo highlights the need for greater offensive execution. Fields’ difficulties in scoring further underscore the hurdles the team faces in solidifying a dependable starter.
Smith, while influential in shaping the offense, recognizes the limitations of his role when it comes to final personnel decisions. "That's not a decision I have the burden to make," he stated, underlining the collaborative nature of coaching dynamics, where final roster and playtime decisions are often made by the head coach.
Looking Forward
As the Steelers prepare for their final preseason game against Detroit, all eyes will be on how the offense performs and whether improvements in fundamentals and discipline are evident. Arthur Smith’s task is undoubtedly formidable, requiring a delicate balance between immediate performance issues and long-term strategic planning.
Ultimately, the Steelers' ability to turn early preseason struggles into regular-season success will test Smith’s strategic acumen and the resilience of his players. As the countdown to Week 1 continues, Pittsburgh’s efforts to iron out their offensive kinks will critically shape their prospects for the upcoming season.