Arthur Smith Takes Helm as Pittsburgh Steelers' Offensive Coordinator Amid Preseason Struggles
The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves grappling with a myriad of offensive challenges as they head into the final phase of their preseason. With new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith at the helm, the team has faced exhibition losses to both the Houston Texans and the Buffalo Bills, unveiling significant areas for improvement.
The recent exhibition games showcased poor offensive line play, numerous pre-snap penalties, and a noticeable struggle to convert on possession downs. These issues were glaring during the Steelers' losses, raising concerns about the team’s readiness for the regular season.
Arthur Smith, who previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans in 2019, is no stranger to overcoming preseason adversity. The Titans managed only seven points across three preseason games in 2019 under his guidance but dramatically turned things around by scoring 43 points in their Week 1 regular-season game. That year, Tennessee ranked 10th in the NFL in scoring and saw star running back Derrick Henry secure his first of consecutive rushing titles.
"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, acknowledging the opportunity to rectify the current issues before the regular season kicks off.
Compounding the struggles, the Steelers are also navigating a tense quarterback situation. Zach Wilson currently sits atop the depth chart over Justin Fields. Wilson’s performance in the loss to Buffalo was underwhelming; he went 8 of 10 for 47 yards but was sacked three times and did not manage to lead the team to a single score during his time on the field. Justin Fields, who has also faced difficulties in the preseason, has failed to provide a clear alternative.
Head Coach Mike Tomlin ultimately holds the decision on starting quarterback responsibilities. A determination on whether Wilson will participate in Pittsburgh’s preseason finale against the Detroit Lions is still pending, leaving room for continued assessment and adjustments.
Reflecting on last season, Pittsburgh's offensive struggles were significantly different. The starting offense, led by then-quarterback Kenny Pickett, achieved an impressive feat by scoring touchdowns on each of its five preseason possessions. However, the shortcomings of the regular season led to the dismissal of offensive coordinator Matt Canada, prompting a substantial overhaul of the quarterback room under Arthur Smith’s leadership during the offseason.
The changes sought under Smith’s guidance are not purely based on personnel but also on fundamental aspects of play. The Steelers' current focus centers around honing fundamentals, reducing penalties, and ensuring cohesive performance when regular-season games commence.
Smith remains optimistic about the potential for improvement. He noted, "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." This assertion highlights the determination within the team to confront and address the issues head-on.
Smith’s ability to turn a preseason team into a regular-season stalwart will again be put to the test. His track record with the Titans provides a sliver of hope for Pittsburgh fans that early preseason woes do not necessarily forecast regular-season performances. Yet, with the clock ticking down to Week 1, the sense of urgency is palpable.
The next few weeks will be crucial for the Steelers. Smith’s task is monumental but not insurmountable. As he stated, "That's not a decision I have the burden to make," referencing the starting quarterback dilemma. However, one thing is certain: the desire to move past exhibition disappointments and strive for excellence when the games matter is resolute within the Pittsburgh camp.