Arthur Smith Takes Reins as Pittsburgh's New Offensive Coordinator
The Pittsburgh Steelers have appointed Arthur Smith as their new offensive coordinator, hoping his expertise will lift an offense that has shown alarming signs of inconsistency in recent games. Smith, who previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans in 2019, is no stranger to turning around struggling teams. Under his guidance, the Titans rebounded from a dismal preseason to rank 10th in NFL scoring, culminating in Derrick Henry clinching the first of his consecutive rushing titles.
However, Smith faces a monumental challenge in Pittsburgh. The Steelers have endured rough patches in their preseason games, notably exhibition losses to Houston and Buffalo. The recurring issues of poor offensive line play, pre-snap penalties, and failure to convert on possession downs have spotlighted the team’s struggles. Smith recognizes the uphill battle ahead, noting, "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."
The quarterback situation has added another layer of complexity. Zach Wilson currently sits atop the depth chart over Justin Fields, yet failed to lead the team to any scoring drives in the recent loss to Buffalo, going 8 of 10 for just 47 yards and suffering three sacks. Fields has also struggled to put points on the board throughout the preseason. Head Coach Mike Tomlin has the ultimate decision on the starting quarterback, and as of now, it's still unclear whether Wilson will feature in the preseason finale against Detroit.
Smith is not just tinkering with the position of quarterback; he’s spearheading a comprehensive overhaul of Pittsburgh’s quarterback room. Last season’s starting quarterback, Kenny Pickett, oversaw an efficient offense that scored touchdowns on each of its five preseason possessions. Despite this, the season ended with enough disappointment to see then-offensive coordinator Matt Canada dismissed. Smith has his work cut out in molding a cohesive unit that focuses on fundamentals, reduces penalties, and performs when it truly matters.
Smith's confidence in his players is palpable. Speaking about the rotational depth, he said, "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’s acknowledgment of the dedication shown by his players is a bright spot amid the struggles, emphasizing the team’s resolve to improve.
The Steelers, known for their storied history and gritty performances, see Smith’s approach as a beacon of hope. Smith’s tenure with the Titans displayed his knack for maximizing talent and overcoming preseason hiccups, evidenced by the Titans scoring a mere seven points in three preseason games before abruptly lighting up the scoreboard with 43 points in Week 1 of the regular season. Smith aims to replicate such a turnaround in Pittsburgh.
The primary focus now is honing fundamentals, reducing penalization, and ensuring the offense clicks when the regular season begins. Smith’s pragmatic view on preseason performance could serve as a grounding force for a team looking to shed the inconsistencies of past performances.
The coming weeks will be critical as Smith and his coaching staff make the final adjustments. Head Coach Mike Tomlin will soon decide whether Zach Wilson or Justin Fields will lead the team, with both quarterbacks needing to demonstrate their ability to drive the offense efficiently. Tomlin’s forthcoming decision will be pivotal for the team's early-season momentum.
As Smith aptly put it, "That's not a decision I have the burden to make." His focus remains on refining the offensive strategy and developing a unit capable of surpassing the challenges that have stymied them in recent seasons. With training camp winding down and the preseason schedule nearing its end, Steelers fans eagerly await to see whether Smith’s system can revive the offensive prowess that has eluded them.