Arthur Smith Takes Helm as Pittsburgh's Offensive Coordinator Amidst Preseason Woes
The Pittsburgh Steelers have appointed Arthur Smith as their new offensive coordinator, ushering in a period of transformation for the team. The early signs, however, suggest that Smith faces substantial challenges ahead. Recent exhibition losses to Houston and Buffalo have exposed deep-rooted issues in the offense, including poor offensive line play, pre-snap penalties, and an inability to convert on possession downs.
Smith, who previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans in 2019, is tasked with remedying these problems. His tenure in Tennessee showed glimpses of his potential. Despite the Titans scoring only 7 points in three preseason games that year, they exploded with 43 points in Week 1 of the regular season. Under Smith's guidance, the Titans finished 10th in the NFL for scoring, and running back Derrick Henry clinched his first of two consecutive rushing titles. Such precedents offer hope but also place immense pressure on Smith to replicate his past success in Pittsburgh.
Quarterback Conundrum
The quarterback situation in Pittsburgh remains fluid, with Zach Wilson currently sitting atop the depth chart over Justin Fields. Wilson’s recent performance against Buffalo was far from reassuring. Completing 8 of 10 passes for just 47 yards and suffering three sacks, Wilson failed to lead the Steelers to a single score. Fields has also struggled to find the end zone throughout the preseason, leaving head coach Mike Tomlin with a pressing decision to make.
Tomlin holds the final call on who will start under center, a decision that remains pending before the preseason finale against Detroit. Smith acknowledged the uncertainty, stating, "That's not a decision I have the burden to make." The urgency to establish a reliable leader in the quarterback room is palpable, particularly given the significant overhaul the team has undergone during the offseason under Smith’s guidance.
Transforming the Offense
Last season, Pittsburgh's offense, led by then-quarterback Kenny Pickett, was highly efficient in the preseason, scoring touchdowns on all five possessions. However, that success did not translate to the regular season, culminating in the dismissal of offensive coordinator Matt Canada. With Smith at the helm, the focus has shifted towards honing fundamentals, reducing penalties, and ensuring a cohesive performance when the games count.
Smith remains pragmatic about the challenges, emphasizing the importance of addressing these issues now rather than during 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." His comments underscore a commitment to long-term improvement, even if it means enduring short-term pain.
Player Commitment
Despite the struggles, Smith has been quick to commend the commitment of his players. He specifically praised Russ for his perseverance, noting, "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." Such attitudes are vital as the Steelers look to rebuild and revitalize their offensive strategies.
The road ahead for Arthur Smith and the Pittsburgh Steelers is undeniably challenging. With the regular season fast approaching, the team's ability to address its preseason shortcomings will be crucial. Balancing the integration of new players and systems with the exigent demands of professional football, Smith is poised to leave his mark. The next steps taken by this storied franchise will be pivotal, shaping not just the outcome of their upcoming games but the trajectory of their season.