Arthur Smith Takes Helm, Pittsburgh Steelers Face Early Struggles
With Arthur Smith stepping into the role of Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive coordinator, significant challenges have already emerged during the preseason. The Steelers took to the field with exhibition losses against Houston and Buffalo, revealing palpable issues on the offensive front.
Early preseason games highlighted the team's struggles with poor offensive line play, pre-snap penalties, and a failure to convert on possession downs. "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," Arthur Smith emphasized.
Smith’s Previous Success with the Titans
Smith's previous tenure as the offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans in 2019 serves as a testament to his capability. Though the Titans managed only seven points across three preseason games in 2019, they astoundingly rebounded to score 43 points in their Week 1 appearance. That season, the Titans showcased an explosive offense, ranking 10th in the NFL in scoring, and Derrick Henry secured the first of his consecutive rushing titles.
Despite Pittsburgh's early stumbles under Smith, his history suggests a potential for significant in-season turnarounds. However, as the Steelers aim to refine their offensive strategies, the question of quarterback performance looms large.
Quarterback Conundrum
Zach Wilson currently holds the top spot over Justin Fields in Pittsburgh's depth chart. Yet, Wilson’s performance thus far has not instilled unwavering confidence. 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 any scores during his time on the field. Fields has similarly struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities throughout the preseason.
Head Coach Mike Tomlin's decision on the starting quarterback remains crucial as the season approaches. The final call on whether Wilson will play in Pittsburgh's preseason finale against Detroit is still pending. "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," stated Smith, reflecting on the determination within his squad, if not naming Wilson directly.
Smith candidly acknowledged that deciding the starting quarterback isn’t a decision he shoulders alone, remarking, "That's not a decision I have the burden to make."
A Season of Transition
The Pittsburgh offense has witnessed substantial changes over the past year. Last season under Matt Canada, Pittsburgh's starting offense, led by then-quarterback Kenny Pickett, impressively scored touchdowns on each of its five preseason possessions. Despite this initially promising showcase, ongoing struggles led to Canada's dismissal from his role.
Under Smith’s guidance, the offseason saw a significant overhaul of Pittsburgh’s quarterback room. Now, the primary focus is on honing fundamentals, reducing penalties, and delivering a unified performance when the games truly count.
Smith and his team aspire to rebuild the offensive strategies, learning from the missteps of last season while integrating new methodologies and perspectives into Pittsburgh's playbook.
As the preseason draws to a close, all eyes remain on Smith and how he maneuvers the Steelers through this transition period. The prevailing hope within the Pittsburgh fanbase is that Smith can replicate his past successes and drive the Steelers to a high-scoring, formidable offensive force in the upcoming NFL season.