Arthur Smith's New Challenge: Revamping Pittsburgh’s Offense Ahead of Crucial Season
Arthur Smith, Pittsburgh's newly appointed offensive coordinator, is tasked with revitalizing a Steelers offense that has struggled immensely during the preseason. The team, marked by exhibition losses to Houston and Buffalo, showcased a series of alarming issues, from poor offensive line play to pre-snap penalties and a failure to convert on possession downs.
Smith, who guided the Tennessee Titans' offense in 2019, orchestrated an impressive turnaround in his previous position. Despite only scoring seven points across three preseason games that year, the Titans exploded for 43 points in their Week 1 matchup. Under Smith's leadership, Tennessee ranked 10th in scoring for the season, with star running back Derrick Henry clinching the first of his consecutive rushing titles.
However, the situation in Pittsburgh is complicated by a struggling quarterback room. Zach Wilson currently sits atop the depth chart over Justin Fields. Wilson’s performance against Buffalo was far from inspiring; he completed 8 of 10 passes for just 47 yards and was sacked three times, failing to lead his team to any scores.
Justin Fields has also been unable to spark the Steelers' offense throughout the preseason. Head Coach Mike Tomlin retains the final say on the starting quarterback decision, leaving the potential for changes as the team navigates its offensive woes.
Despite the rocky start, Smith emphasizes perspective and patience. "Preseason can distort reality, good or bad," he remarked. "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."
The offensive struggles over the past year led to the end of Matt Canada's tenure as offensive coordinator. Last season, under then-quarterback Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh's starting offense had an impressive run, scoring touchdowns on each of its five preseason possessions. The contrast between then and now underscores the scale of the challenge facing Smith and his revamped quarterback room.
Under Smith's guidance, the Steelers have undergone significant changes, not just in strategy but in personnel. As the preseason finale against Detroit approaches, the decision on whether Wilson will play is still pending. The primary focus remains on honing fundamentals, reducing penalties, and ensuring a cohesive team performance when the regular season commences.
Smith acknowledges the hurdles but remains steadfast in his commitment to improvement. Referring to a tough outing for one of his players, he offered praise: "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." His comments reflect a broader ethos of perseverance and hard work as Pittsburgh looks to rebound from a dismal preseason.
While Smith deftly sidesteps questions about the starting quarterback decision, stating, "That's not a decision I have the burden to make," his influence on the offensive scheme and player performance will be crucial. The upcoming match against Detroit may offer more clarity, but significant work remains for Pittsburgh as they aim to rectify their offensive inconsistencies.
Aware of the high stakes, the Steelers are not only grappling with immediate concerns but laying the groundwork for sustained success. As Smith and his team strive to turn preseason disappointments into regular-season victories, Pittsburgh fans can only hope this arduous preparation period will yield the desired results on game day.