Pittsburgh Steelers’ Offensive Challenges Under New Coordinator Arthur Smith
The Pittsburgh Steelers have found themselves navigating through a period of transition and uncertainty with the appointment of Arthur Smith as their new offensive coordinator. Smith, who previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans in 2019, faces significant challenges as he attempts to address the shortcomings that plagued the Steelers in recent exhibitions.
The Steelers are coming off a series of exhibition losses to the Houston Texans and the Buffalo Bills, where they struggled with poor offensive line play, pre-snap penalties, and an inability to convert on possession downs. These issues were glaring in their recent games, leading to concerns about the effectiveness of the new offensive system.
Reflecting on his time with the Titans, Smith's initial preseason experience in 2019 was also fraught with difficulties. The Titans managed only 7 points across three preseason games before a remarkable turnaround saw them scoring 43 points in Week 1 of the regular season. Under Smith’s guidance, the Titans finished the season ranked 10th in NFL scoring, with star running back Derrick Henry winning his first of consecutive rushing titles.
In Pittsburgh, the quarterback situation adds another layer of complexity. Zach Wilson currently sits atop the depth chart over Justin Fields. However, Wilson's performance against Buffalo—where he completed 8 of 10 passes for 47 yards but was sacked three times and failed to lead the team to a single score—has left much to be desired. Fields has similarly struggled to score points throughout the preseason.
Head Coach Mike Tomlin holds the final decision on the starting quarterback position, but as of now, it remains uncertain whether Wilson will feature in the Steelers’ preseason finale against the Detroit Lions.
Arthur Smith’s arrival has nonetheless brought about a significant overhaul within the Steelers’ offense. Last season, with Kenny Pickett at quarterback, the Steelers' starting offense scored touchdowns on each of its five preseason possessions. However, those successes were not enough to save former offensive coordinator Matt Canada, who was dismissed following the team's struggles in the regular season.
Smith acknowledges that preseason performances can sometimes create misleading impressions. “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 commented, emphasizing the importance of addressing these issues promptly.
The focus for Smith and his coaching staff is clear: hone the fundamentals, reduce penalties, and ensure a cohesive performance when the regular season begins. The Steelers have already undergone a major transformation in their quarterback room under Smith’s guidance, and the upcoming matches will be crucial in determining the efficacy of these changes.
The decision regarding Wilson's participation in the preseason finale will be a key moment, as it could impact the overall strategy moving into the regular season. Smith expressed his admiration for Wilson’s willingness to step up despite limited preparation. “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, highlighting Wilson’s commitment to the team.
As preseason draws to a close, the Steelers must grapple with the reality of their current performance levels while keeping an eye on the potential for improvement. Arthur Smith’s task is formidable, as he seeks to revitalize an offense that, for the time being, is still finding its footing.
In conclusion, the Pittsburgh Steelers and their new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith are at a crossroads. With the regular season rapidly approaching, the next few weeks will be pivotal in determining the trajectory of the team’s offensive capabilities. Smith’s track record with the Titans suggests that he has the potential to lead a turnaround, but the immediate focus remains on resolving the issues that have hampered their preseason efforts.