Pittsburgh Steelers' New-look Offense Faces Early Struggles
Arthur Smith has taken the reins as the Pittsburgh Steelers' new offensive coordinator, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his tenure with the Tennessee Titans. However, the transition has not been seamless. The Steelers have suffered exhibition losses to both the Houston Texans and the Buffalo Bills, highlighting significant struggles with their offense.
In their recent losses, the Steelers' offensive line has been a particular point of concern. Pre-snap penalties and a failure to convert on possession downs underscored their difficulties. Despite these setbacks, Smith remains focused on the long game. "Preseason can distort reality, good or bad. We've all seen it. That's not making excuses," Smith said. "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 past experience with the Titans offers a glimmer of hope. In 2019, under his direction, the Titans managed only seven points in three preseason games but exploded for 43 points in Week 1 of the regular season. That year, the Titans finished 10th in the NFL in scoring, and Derrick Henry claimed his first of consecutive rushing titles.
The Steelers' quarterback situation is another pressing issue. Currently, Zach Wilson sits atop the depth chart above Justin Fields. During the loss to the Bills, Wilson completed eight of 10 passes for 47 yards but was sacked three times and failed to lead Pittsburgh to a single score. Fields has similarly struggled to generate points throughout the preseason. Head Coach Mike Tomlin has the final word on the starting quarterback decision, a topic that remains unresolved as the team approaches its preseason finale against the Detroit Lions.
"That's not a decision I have the burden to make," Smith commented, deferring to Tomlin's judgment. The offense has seen significant changes over the past year, including a complete overhaul of the quarterback room under Smith's guidance. Last season, Kenny Pickett led the starting offense to touchdowns on each of its five preseason possessions. However, the struggles culminated in the dismissal of former offensive coordinator Matt Canada.
As the team tries to find its rhythm, the focus has shifted to honing fundamentals, reducing penalties, and ensuring a cohesive performance when it matters most. Arthur Smith's emphasis on detail and execution aims to steer the Steelers towards a more productive and disciplined offensive unit.
The journey to rebuild is undoubtedly challenging, but Smith's track record offers a blueprint for potential success. The coming weeks will be critical in assessing how well Pittsburgh can adapt and rectify its preseason woes. The decision on whether Wilson will play in the preseason finale against Detroit is still pending, as the coaching staff continues to evaluate all available options.
Smith's insights and approach reflect a seasoned understanding of the game. His measured perspective is evident in how he handles both the pressures and opportunities that come with his new role. "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 noted, showcasing his appreciation for players' efforts despite adverse circumstances.
In conclusion, while the Pittsburgh Steelers' offense is currently a work in progress, the foundation being laid by Arthur Smith and his coaching staff hints at a more polished and effective unit by the time the regular season kicks off. The commitment to fundamentals and the potential for significant improvement with Smith's strategic guidance provide a sense of cautious optimism for Steelers fans.