Arthur Smith's Uphill Battle: Revamping Pittsburgh's Offense
The Pittsburgh Steelers have entered a period of significant transition under their new offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith. After a challenging preseason marked by losses to Houston and Buffalo, the Steelers are grappling with various issues, notably poor offensive line play, pre-snap penalties, and a failure to convert on possession downs.
Smith, who joined Pittsburgh from the Tennessee Titans, brings with him a record of turning around underperforming offenses. In 2019, he orchestrated a dramatic shift for the Titans, who managed only 7 points in three preseason games but went on to score 43 points in Week 1 of the regular season. The Titans ultimately ranked 10th in the NFL in scoring that season, a year in which Derrick Henry won his first of consecutive rushing titles.
Quarterback Conundrum
One of the primary challenges facing the Steelers is the quarterback situation. Zach Wilson is currently sitting atop the depth chart over Justin Fields. However, his performance has been less than stellar. In the loss to Buffalo, Wilson completed 8 of 10 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 also struggled to score points throughout the preseason, adding to the uncertainty.
Head Coach Mike Tomlin holds the final call on the starting quarterback decision, and a decision on whether Wilson will play in Pittsburgh’s preseason finale against Detroit is still pending. Tomlin's choice will likely hinge on evaluations from practices and the remaining preseason games.
Focus on Fundamentals
Smith's arrival has prompted a significant overhaul in Pittsburgh’s quarterback room and major adjustments to the team's offensive strategies. Last season, Pittsburgh's starting offense, led by then-quarterback Kenny Pickett, scored touchdowns on each of its five preseason possessions. Despite this strong preseason showing, the team’s regular-season struggles led to the dismissal of former offensive coordinator Matt Canada.
The current focus for Smith and his coaching staff is on honing fundamentals, reducing penalties, and ensuring a cohesive performance when the games count. Smith emphasizes that preseason performances can often be misleading. "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," he noted.
Another significant element in preparation has been managing player participation and health. Smith praised quarterback Russell Wilson for his commitment despite limited practice reps. "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.
Future on the Line
Pittsburgh’s offense has undergone substantial changes in the past year, and the ability to integrate these changes effectively will be critical. As the team builds towards the regular season, Smith’s experience and strategic mindset will be essential in overcoming the deficiencies highlighted in the preseason.
The Steelers' upcoming preseason finale against Detroit might provide more insights into the quarterback hierarchy and overall offensive readiness. Until then, Smith remains focused on addressing the highlighted issues and ensuring the team is primed for a stronger start than last season.
Smith humbly acknowledges that some decisions are beyond his purview, saying, "That's not a decision I have the burden to make." His primary objective remains clear: to cultivate a disciplined, high-scoring offense that can sustain drives and capitalize on scoring opportunities consistently.