Arthur Smith Takes Helm as Pittsburgh's Offensive Coordinator Amid Preseason Struggles
Arthur Smith, recently named the offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers, has his work cut out for him. The team has faced a rocky preseason, marked by exhibition losses to Houston and Buffalo. The issues plaguing the Steelers have been multifaceted, with poor offensive line play, pre-snap penalties, and a failure to convert on possession downs being prominent among them.
Smith, who served as the offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans in 2019, brings a notable track record. Under his guidance, the Titans ranked 10th in the NFL in scoring that year, and Derrick Henry secured his first of consecutive rushing titles. However, even Smith had to overcome a bumpy start; the Titans managed only 7 points in three preseason games before exploding for 43 points in Week 1 of the regular season. This historical perspective offers a glimmer of hope for Pittsburgh fans, suggesting that preseason performance isn't always indicative of regular-season outcomes.
In Pittsburgh, the quarterback situation remains fluid. Zach Wilson is currently atop the depth chart, edging out Justin Fields. Wilson’s performance has been underwhelming; he completed 8 of 10 passes for 47 yards but was sacked three times in the loss to Buffalo and failed to lead the team to a single score during his time on the field. Fields, too, has struggled to put points on the board throughout the preseason.
Head Coach Mike Tomlin holds the final say on the starting quarterback decision. With the preseason finale against Detroit looming, it's still uncertain whether Wilson will take the field. Smith has expressed the importance of making the right decision, stating, "That's not a decision I have the burden to make."
Reflecting on preseason results, Smith emphasized the importance of not overvaluing these games. "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," he remarked.
The current offensive struggles are particularly stark when compared to last season. The Steelers' starting offense, led by then-quarterback Kenny Pickett, managed to score touchdowns on each of their five preseason possessions. However, the shortcomings during the regular season ultimately led to the dismissal of former offensive coordinator Matt Canada.
Under Smith’s guidance, the offseason saw a major overhaul of Pittsburgh’s quarterback room. This restructuring aims to address the pitfalls of last season and build a more resilient and efficient offensive unit. The focus remains on honing fundamentals, reducing penalties, and ensuring a cohesive performance when the games count.
Amid the challenges, Smith acknowledged the efforts and dedication of his players. He particularly noted the commitment of players like Zach Wilson, praising their willingness to push through tough situations. "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.
As the Steelers work to realign their offensive strategy under Smith, the team remains vigilant and hopeful. The preseason struggles have underscored the areas needing improvement, but the experiences also serve as valuable lessons before the regular season kicks off. The forthcoming decisions, particularly regarding the quarterback position, will be pivotal as Pittsburgh aims to return to form and stake its claim in the highly competitive NFL landscape.