Arthur Smith Aims to Revitalize Pittsburgh's Offense Amid Preseason Struggles
Pittsburgh Steelers fans are looking for answers amidst a preseason filled with struggles. The team's recent exhibition losses to Houston and Buffalo have highlighted several glaring issues: poor offensive line play, pre-snap penalties, and a failure to convert on possession downs. In the eye of the storm is Arthur Smith, who recently took over as Pittsburgh's offensive coordinator with high expectations resting on his shoulders.
Smith, who previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans in 2019, brings a wealth of experience to the Steelers. His tenure with the Titans saw mixed results during preseason but significant success when it mattered most. The Titans only managed to score 7 points in three preseason games in 2019. However, they made a dramatic turnaround by scoring an impressive 43 points in their Week 1 regular-season game. Under Smith's guidance, the Titans finished the 2019 season ranked 10th in the NFL in scoring and boasted the league's leading rusher in Derrick Henry.
"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 stated, addressing the team's recent struggles.
Smith now faces the challenge of molding a rejuvenated Pittsburgh offense. One of the most significant changes has been the overhaul of the Steelers' quarterback room. Zach Wilson currently sits atop the depth chart, narrowly edging out Justin Fields. However, Wilson's performance in the preseason matchup against Buffalo left much to be desired; he completed 8 of 10 passes for 47 yards but was sacked three times and failed to lead the team to a single score during his time on the field.
Fields, on the other hand, has also found it difficult to score points throughout the preseason. The weight of the decision on who will start as Pittsburgh's quarterback ultimately falls on Head Coach Mike Tomlin. With one exhibition game left against Detroit, whether Wilson will play remains undecided.
"That's not a decision I have the burden to make," Smith remarked, indicating that the quarterback controversy will be resolved by Coach Tomlin.
The struggles of last season led to the dismissal of former offensive coordinator Matt Canada. Kenny Pickett, who was the starting quarterback last year, managed to lead Pittsburgh's starting offense to touchdowns on each of its five preseason possessions. Nonetheless, those glimpses of promise were overshadowed by inconsistent performances during the regular season, necessitating the hiring of Smith and the major overhaul of Pittsburgh’s quarterback room.
As the new season approaches, Smith's focus revolves around perfecting fundamentals, cutting down on penalties, and ensuring a cohesive performance when the games carry real weight. The preseason may cast a shadow of doubt, but Smith is committed to steering the team in the right direction.
Smith praised players willing to push through adversity, regardless of the obstacles. "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 commitment and determination within the locker room.
The road ahead for the Pittsburgh Steelers is filled with challenges, but the team is anchored by a seasoned coach and an offensive coordinator who has shown he can overcome early bumps. With a more refined approach and focused efforts on addressing key weaknesses, the Steelers aim to mirror the turnaround Smith orchestrated during his time with the Titans. The optimism may be cautious, but anticipation for a stronger showing when the games truly count is palpable.
As Pittsburgh gears up for their preseason finale against Detroit, all eyes will be on the decisions made and the performances rendered. A preseason can distort reality, as Smith wisely notes, but it also offers a lens to pinpoint and address what needs fixing—something he and the rest of the coaching staff are diligently working on.