As Pittsburgh gears up for the regular NFL season, all eyes are on their new offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith, who is tasked with revitalizing a struggling Steelers offense. Smith, who previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans in 2019, faces significant challenges, including a poor showing in the team's recent exhibition losses to Houston and Buffalo.
The Steelers' woes in these preseason games were underscored by poor offensive line play, pre-snap penalties, and a failure to convert on possession downs. These issues have raised concerns, especially in light of the decision to overhaul the quarterback room in the off-season. Fans remember with optimism how the Titans, under Smith's guidance, managed only 7 points in three preseason games in 2019, yet exploded for 43 points in the first week of the regular season. The Titans went on to rank 10th in the NFL in scoring that year, a season that saw Derrick Henry win his first of consecutive rushing titles.
The Steelers hope to replicate that turnaround, but questions linger, particularly at the quarterback position. Currently, Zach Wilson tops the depth chart over Justin Fields. However, his recent performance against Buffalo, where he went 8 of 10 for 47 yards and was sacked three times without leading the team to a single score, has left much to be desired. Fields, who has also struggled to score points throughout the preseason, adds to the complexity of the quarterback conundrum. Head Coach Mike Tomlin has the final call on who will start under center, and the decision on whether Wilson will play in Pittsburgh’s preseason finale against Detroit is still pending.
Arthur Smith, stepping into his new role, has emphasized the importance of fundamentals and cohesion. "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 stated, underscoring his commitment to addressing the team's deficiencies.
The recent struggles contrast sharply with last preseason when Pittsburgh's starting offense, led by then-quarterback Kenny Pickett, scored touchdowns on each of its five preseason possessions. However, the regular season did not meet expectations, resulting in the dismissal of the previous offensive coordinator, Matt Canada. This prompted the major overhaul led by Smith, who is keen on setting a new standard.
Smith also directed attention towards the grit of his players amid adversity. "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 remarked, highlighting the determination within the team to improve despite the setbacks.
The task ahead for Smith and the Steelers is monumental. The team must refine their fundamentals, minimize penalties, and ensure a cohesive performance when the games truly count. The Steelers' fan base remains cautiously optimistic, hoping that Smith can replicate his previous success with the Titans and turn Pittsburgh's fortunes around.
As the preseason draws to a close, all eyes will be on the Steelers' matchup against Detroit. This game will be crucial not only for the players vying for starting positions but also for setting the tone for the regular season. With Smith's emphasis on discipline and execution, Steelers fans hope to see glimpses of a revitalized offense ready to compete at the highest level.