Pittsburgh's Offensive Changes Under Arthur Smith: A Deep Dive
The Pittsburgh Steelers are navigating through a transitional phase on offense, headed by their new offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith. Pittsburgh’s recent preseason has brought to light issues that need addressing, juxtaposed with a glimpse into Smith's potential long-term influence on the team.
Struggles in Preseason
The Steelers' exhibition losses to Houston and Buffalo revealed substantial flaws. The offense struggled with poor offensive line play, pre-snap penalties, and a failure to convert on possession downs. These elements underscored their difficulties during these games.
The quarterback situation also adds complexity. Zach Wilson, currently the top quarterback on Pittsburgh's depth chart over Justin Fields, had an underwhelming performance against Buffalo. Despite completing 8 of 10 passes for 47 yards, Wilson was sacked three times and failed to lead the team to a score. Justin Fields, too, has had a challenging preseason, adding to the coaching staff's concerns.
Head Coach Mike Tomlin retains the final say in the starting quarterback decision, and a call on whether Wilson will play in Pittsburgh’s preseason finale against Detroit remains pending.
Lessons from Tennessee
Smith’s history offers a blueprint for his potential impact on the Steelers. In 2019, as the offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans, he initially faced challenges; the Titans scored only 7 points in three preseason games. Yet, Smith transformed the regular season offense, leading Tennessee to a 10th-place NFL ranking in scoring. Moreover, running back Derrick Henry flourished under his system, securing his first consecutive rushing titles.
Smith is keenly aware of the deceptive nature of preseason performances. “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 stated. This perspective underscores his long-term vision, focusing on learning from early missteps to bolster regular-season performance.
Overhauls and Adjustments
The Steelers’ offensive landscape has changed significantly over the past year. Last season, under then-quarterback Kenny Pickett and now-former offensive coordinator Matt Canada, Pittsburgh's starting offense managed an exceptional feat, scoring touchdowns on each of its five preseason possessions. However, the regular season struggles led to Canada’s dismissal, making way for Smith's entry.
Under Smith's guidance, there was a major overhaul of Pittsburgh’s quarterback room during the offseason. This revamp aimed at addressing the inconsistencies and inefficiencies observed last year. The focus has been on refining fundamentals, reducing penalties, and ensuring cohesive performance when it counts.
Smith acknowledged the importance of perseverance, particularly in challenging circumstances. On the topic of Russell's participation amid limited reps, Smith remarked, “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.”
Looking Forward
Arthur Smith's arrival signals a pivotal phase for Pittsburgh. The challenge ahead is to transform preseason learnings into consistent regular-season success. The team is heading into their final preseason game against Detroit, where decisions on the starting quarterback and overall offensive strategy will be closely scrutinized.
As the Steelers aim to resolve their ongoing issues, the upcoming games will be crucial in determining the feasibility of Smith’s strategies. His previous success with the Titans suggests potential, but the effectiveness of these adjustments in Pittsburgh's context remains to be seen.
Ultimately, the Steelers’ commitment to honing their game ahead of the regular season epitomizes their drive to reclaim their standing. "That's not a decision I have the burden to make," Smith said, reflecting the collaborative nature of this rebuilding process. The combined efforts of the coaching staff and players will be instrumental as Pittsburgh seeks to find stability and success under new leadership.