Arthur Smith Navigates Changes as Steelers' Offensive Coordinator
The Pittsburgh Steelers are grappling with a series of challenges on the offensive front, as they transition into a new era under recently-appointed offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Despite the setbacks witnessed in the preseason, Smith maintains an optimistic outlook, grounding his approach in experience and a commitment to improvement.
Pittsburgh faced notable losses to Houston and Buffalo in their exhibition games, with poor offensive line play, pre-snap penalties, and a failure to convert on possession downs highlighted as pivotal issues. Specifically, in the Buffalo game, quarterback Zach Wilson completed 8 of 10 passes for 47 yards but was sacked three times and did not lead the team to a single score. This dismal performance has cast a shadow over Wilson’s prospects, especially considering the ongoing quarterback battle with Justin Fields, who has also struggled to find the end zone during the preseason.
Smith, who previously held the offensive coordinator position for the Tennessee Titans in 2019, is no stranger to preseason woes. Under his leadership, the Titans managed only 7 points across three preseason games that year, only to erupt with 43 points in Week 1 of the regular season. Reflecting on that experience, Smith remarked, "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." This historical context lends a semblance of hope for Steelers fans, eager to see similar regular-season turnaround.
The Steelers’ offensive struggles are compounded by significant changes over the past year. Last season, the starting offense, helmed by then-quarterback Kenny Pickett, managed to score touchdowns on each of its five preseason possessions. The stark contrast between last season's preseason success and the current struggles has been a talking point, especially following the dismissal of former offensive coordinator Matt Canada. Smith's arrival marked a major overhaul, particularly within the quarterback room, and the effects of these changes are still unfolding.
Head Coach Mike Tomlin holds the authority on the starting quarterback decision, a point underscored by Smith's comments: "That's not a decision I have the burden to make." The debate over whether Wilson will play in the preseason finale against Detroit remains unresolved. Yet, the overall focus remains clear—honing fundamentals, reducing penalties, and delivering a cohesive performance when games matter most.
The challenges facing the Steelers are not insurmountable. Smith's resume includes leading the Titans to a 10th place ranking in scoring in 2019 and mentoring Derrick Henry to his first of consecutive rushing titles. The experienced coordinator is well-versed in constructing potent offensive units, and his wealth of experience provides a sturdy foundation as Pittsburgh navigates this transitional phase.
Ultimately, the essence of preseason lies in preparation, a sentiment Smith has echoed through his actions and words. The heavy lifting of honing an offense happens in these preparatory games, even when outcomes on the scoreboard appear grim. "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, highlighting the perseverance and dedication of his players amid adversity.
As the Steelers gear up for their preseason finale and look ahead to the regular season, the vision remains steadfast. The immediate hurdles may seem daunting, but with a veteran coordinator at the helm and a focus on refining the basics, Pittsburgh's offensive unit looks to course-correct and regain its formidable reputation.