Arthur Smith Takes Helm as Steelers Navigate Offensive Woes
Pittsburgh Steelers' new offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith, is facing a challenging introduction to his role as the team grapples with significant offensive issues during the preseason. The Steelers suffered exhibition losses to Houston and Buffalo, exposing flaws in their offensive line play, repeated pre-snap penalties, and an inability to convert crucial possession downs.
The struggles come on the heels of last season's offensive overhaul, which saw Kenny Pickett and the starting offense score touchdowns on all five of their preseason possessions. However, such success could not be sustained, culminating in the dismissal of former offensive coordinator Matt Canada. Now, Smith, who formerly held the same position with the Tennessee Titans in 2019, has been tasked with turning around the Steelers' fortunes.
Smith's arrival brings hope, considering his previous success with the Titans. Under his leadership in 2019, the Titans ranked 10th in the NFL in scoring, with running back Derrick Henry securing his first of consecutive rushing titles. Yet, that same year, Tennessee struggled in the preseason, managing just seven points in three games before exploding for 43 points in Week 1 of the regular season.
"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 said, tempering any undue concern over the preseason outcomes.
Quarterback Quandary
Smith’s attempts at orchestrating a cohesive offense have been further complicated by a quarterback conundrum. Zach Wilson currently sits atop the depth chart over Justin Fields, but neither has managed to lead Pittsburgh to the end zone with any consistency in the preseason. Wilson's performance against Buffalo saw him complete 8 of 10 passes for a mere 47 yards while being sacked three times, failing to register a single score.
Fields hasn't fared much better, struggling to convert drives into points throughout the preseason. The lackluster display from both quarterbacks leaves Head Coach Mike Tomlin with a tough decision on who will start when the regular season kicks off. "That's not a decision I have the burden to make," remarked Smith on the starting quarterback dilemma, underscoring Tomlin's ultimate authority in the matter.
Focus on Fundamentals
With one preseason game against Detroit remaining, the Steelers are concentrating on refining their fundamentals, reducing penalties, and achieving a seamless performance when it matters most. Smith’s emphasis on "getting out of our own way" highlights an urgent need for the team to correct basic errors that have plagued them in their recent outings.
Smith's tenure with Tennessee also serves as a reference point for the Steelers, showing that early preseason struggles don’t necessarily forecast regular season ineptitude. His vision echoes through his directive for players to stay grounded and focus on improvement rather than letting preseason results dictate their morale.
Rallying Support
Despite the rocky start, Smith has found individual performances worth praising, signaling potential with Russ, whose identity isn't clarified in the quotes, but who showcased resilience and determination. "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, emphasizing the player's commitment and work ethic despite challenging circumstances.
Adjusting for Reality
The Steelers' offensive woes reveal deeper systemic issues that surpass the singular performance of any coordinator or player. From the quarterback room overhaul to the focus on reducing penalties, the organization is undergoing a transition aimed at long-term success. While the immediate results have been less than encouraging, Smith's experience and previously demonstrated resilience offer a blueprint for potential turnaround.
As Pittsburgh braces for the final preseason test against Detroit, all eyes will be on how Smith and Tomlin craft their strategy moving forward. The emphasis on fundamentals and steady improvement hints at a calculated approach that could pay dividends once the regular season begins. The upcoming decisions, particularly regarding the starting quarterback, will likely set the tone for the Steelers’ offensive unit, and possibly the trajectory of their season.