Arthur Smith Takes Helm as Pittsburgh's Offensive Coordinator Amid Preseason Challenges
With Arthur Smith now at the helm as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive coordinator, the team faces a mix of growing pains and high expectations as they prepare for the upcoming NFL season. Smith, who previously held the same role with the Tennessee Titans, brings with him a track record of turning around struggling offenses. But the Steelers' exhibition run has left much to be desired, raising questions and concerns among fans and analysts alike.
The Steelers are coming off exhibition losses to the Houston Texans and Buffalo Bills, games that highlighted significant issues on the offensive side of the ball. In these matchups, the team's struggles were painfully evident, with poor offensive line play, pre-snap penalties, and a failure to convert on possession downs all contributing to their defeat. Smith acknowledges the tough preseason but remains focused on improvement, stating, "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’s tenure with the Titans in 2019 offers a glimmer of hope for Steelers fans. That year, the Titans managed only 7 points in three preseason games but exploded for 43 points in Week 1 of the regular season. The Titans ended the season ranked 10th in the NFL in scoring, with standout performances including Derrick Henry winning his first of consecutive rushing titles.
Quarterback Dilemma
One of the critical decisions facing Head Coach Mike Tomlin and Arthur Smith is who will start at quarterback. Currently, Zach Wilson sits atop the depth chart over Justin Fields. Wilson’s performance in recent games has been less than stellar; he went 8 of 10 for 47 yards and was sacked three times in the loss to Buffalo. Notably, he did not lead the team to a single score during his time on the field. Justin Fields has similarly struggled to generate points throughout the preseason.
When asked about Wilson’s forthcoming play time, Smith commented, "That's not a decision I have the burden to make," indicating that Tomlin will have the final call on the starting quarterback decision. A decision on whether Wilson will play in Pittsburgh’s preseason finale against the Detroit Lions is still pending, adding another layer of uncertainty to the team's immediate future.
Last season, led by then-quarterback Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh’s starting offense scored touchdowns on each of its five preseason possessions. Despite such promising beginnings, offensive coordinator Matt Canada's tenure ended abruptly due to the team's struggles. Under Smith's guidance, the Steelers have undergone a major overhaul of the quarterback room, aiming for a fresh start and renewed offensive vigor.
Focus on Fundamentals
Amid these transitions, the emphasis is now on refining fundamentals, reducing penalties, and ensuring a cohesive performance when the games matter most. "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 grit and determination of his players.
The Steelers' offensive coordinator remains undeterred by the preseason challenges. Drawing from his previous success with the Titans, he is keen on instilling the same resilience and explosive potential in Pittsburgh. While the exhibition games have brought struggles to light, Smith is clear-eyed about the path forward and optimistic about the team's potential to turn things around when the regular season kicks off.
As the Steelers prepare for their final preseason face-off against Detroit, the coaching staff's decisions will undoubtedly shape the team's trajectory. With a focus on fundamentals and cohesion, Pittsburgh fans can only hope that the lessons of the preseason will translate into a strong start to the 2023 NFL season.