Arthur Smith's Offensive Conundrum in Pittsburgh
Arthur Smith, Pittsburgh's new offensive coordinator, faces a challenging task as he attempts to rectify the Steelers' offensive woes, highlighted by dismal performances in their exhibition losses to Houston and Buffalo. Poor offensive line play, pre-snap penalties, and a failure to convert on possession downs characterized their struggles, raising concerns ahead of the regular season.
Smith, who was Tennessee Titans' offensive coordinator in 2019, brings a track record of resilience and turnaround. That year, the Titans scored a mere 7 points in three preseason games but exploded with 43 points in Week 1 of the regular season. The Titans finished 10th in the NFL in scoring for that season, with star running back Derrick Henry securing his first rushing title. Smith's ability to develop an effective offense will be tested under the bright lights of Heinz Field.
"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 emphasized. His sentiments underline an urgent need to refine the team’s fundamentals.
The uncertainties extend to the quarterback position, where Zach Wilson currently tops the depth chart over Justin Fields. Wilson’s performance against Buffalo saw him complete 8 of 10 passes for 47 yards but also included three sacks. Notably, Wilson did not lead Pittsburgh to a single score during his stint on the field, compounding the team's offensive frustration. Fields, his primary competition, has similarly struggled to rack up points throughout the preseason.
Head Coach Mike Tomlin retains the final call on the starting quarterback decision. "A decision on whether Wilson will play in Pittsburgh’s preseason finale against Detroit is still pending," Tomlin stated. Tomlin’s judgment and Smith's expertise will be crucial in steering the offense toward efficiency and effectiveness.
Last season, Pittsburgh witnessed consistent offensive prowess in preseason led by then-quarterback Kenny Pickett, scoring touchdowns on each of its five preseason possessions. Yet, regular-season struggles led to the dismissal of former offensive coordinator Matt Canada, creating a pathway for Smith's entry.
The offseason overhaul of Pittsburgh’s quarterback room under Smith marks a significant shift. Improving fundamentals, minimizing penalties, and ensuring a cohesive unit come regular season is the present focus. "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 observed, referring to the team's efforts to push through adversities.
"That's not a decision I have the burden to make." Smith remarked regarding the decision-making process on the starting quarterback role. The commentary highlights the collaborative yet delineated responsibilities within the coaching staff.
As the Steelers gear up for the regular season, the adjustments and evaluations during the preseason games will be foundational. The offensive line's performance, reduction of penalties, and successful conversions on possession downs remain critical metrics for Smith and Tomlin. Drawing from Smith's previous turnaround with the Titans, there's cautious optimism surrounding Pittsburgh’s potential to flip the narrative when the games start to count.
With several moving parts and a high-stakes environment, all eyes will be on Pittsburgh’s offensive evolution under Arthur Smith's helm, as he aims to emulate his previous success and reinvigorate the Steelers' attack. The preseason may indeed distort reality, but for Smith, Tomlin, and the Steelers, the real battle begins now.