Arthur Smith Takes Over as Pittsburgh's Offensive Coordinator: Challenges and Prospects
The Pittsburgh Steelers have appointed Arthur Smith as their new offensive coordinator, ushering in a new era aimed at rejuvenating the team's performance. Smith, who previously held the same position with the Tennessee Titans, is widely recognized for his ability to transform offensive units. In 2019, Smith's Titans ranked 10th in the NFL in scoring, and star running back Derrick Henry clinched the first of his consecutive rushing titles under Smith's guidance.
However, Smith now faces the challenge of reinvigorating a struggling Steelers offense. Preseason exhibitions have been far from encouraging, with Pittsburgh suffering losses to both Houston and Buffalo. These games have highlighted numerous issues, including poor offensive line play, pre-snap penalties, and a failure to convert on possession downs. "Preseason can distort reality, good or bad. We've all seen it," Smith noted. "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."
Quarterback Quandary
The quarterback situation in Pittsburgh has been in flux since the offseason. Zach Wilson currently sits atop the depth chart over Justin Fields. Despite completing 8 of 10 passes for 47 yards, Wilson was sacked three times in the loss to Buffalo and did not manage to lead Pittsburgh to a single score during his time on the field. Fields, too, has struggled to produce points throughout the preseason. Head Coach Mike Tomlin holds the final decision on who will start as quarterback, and a determination on whether Wilson will play in Pittsburgh’s preseason finale against Detroit is still pending.
The Steelers had to make significant changes following last season's disappointments, which led to the dismissal of former offensive coordinator Matt Canada. Under Canada’s leadership, the starting offense, then led by quarterback Kenny Pickett, had a bright preseason, scoring touchdowns on each of its five possessions. However, that momentum didn't translate into the regular season, prompting a major overhaul and the appointment of Smith.
Back to Fundamentals
Smith is focusing on honing fundamentals and reducing the penalties that have plagued the team. There’s a concerted effort to make sure the players are correctly aligned and understanding their roles. "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, praising quarterback Russell Wilson's commitment despite the tough preseason.
In addition to the mechanical and tactical adjustments, there’s an emphasis on significant cohesion when the games start to count. The goal is to ensure the Steelers put their best foot forward in Week 1. "That's not a decision I have the burden to make." Smith remarked, likely referring to the head coach's final say on key starting positions.
The upcoming preseason finale against Detroit might serve as the final measuring stick for several crucial decisions. As the Steelers gear up for the regular season, the hope is that Smith can replicate some of the magic he brought to Tennessee. Steelers fans are desperate for a change in fortune, and all eyes will be on how Smith’s strategies unfold when the team takes the field in the months to come.