Pittsburgh Steelers Facing Offensive Challenges Under New Leadership
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been undergoing significant changes on the offensive front, but early preseason results have sparked concern among fans and analysts alike. Arthur Smith, the new offensive coordinator for the Steelers, has been tasked with revitalizing a squad that has struggled mightily in recent exhibition games.
A New Leader for the Offense
Arthur Smith, who took the reins as Pittsburgh's offensive coordinator, previously held the same position with the Tennessee Titans in 2019. Smith comes with an impressive resume, having led the Titans to rank 10th in the NFL in scoring during his first year. Under his guidance, Derrick Henry secured his first of two consecutive rushing titles. Despite preseason struggles, the Titans exploded with 43 points in their 2019 regular season opener, suggesting Smith knows how to turn things around when it matters most.
Preseason Struggles
The Steelers' preseason woes have been notable, with losses to Houston and Buffalo exposing weaknesses, particularly in the offensive line. Poor play, pre-snap penalties, and failure to convert on crucial possession downs displayed glaring issues that need urgent addressing. The need for improvement was evident, especially given the team's inability to score during these exhibition matches.
Quarterback Conundrum
The quarterback position remains a contentious issue. Zach Wilson currently leads the depth chart above Justin Fields. However, Wilson's performance against Buffalo did little to inspire confidence as he was sacked three times and failed to lead the team to a single score. Completing 8 of 10 passes, Wilson managed just 47 yards. Head Coach Mike Tomlin holds the final decision on the starting quarterback, and a verdict on whether Wilson will feature in the preseason finale against Detroit is still pending. Meanwhile, Fields has also struggled to find the end zone during the preseason, adding another layer of complexity to the decision-making process.
Coaching Philosophy and Changes
Arthur Smith has emphasized the importance of preseason performance but also urged a balance in perspective. "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, acknowledging both the current issues and the need for a long-term view.
Fundamental Focus and Team Morale
Under Smith's guidance, there was a significant offseason overhaul of Pittsburgh’s quarterback room, emphasizing honing fundamentals and reducing penalties. Ensuring a cohesive performance when regular season games begin remains a priority. Reflecting on the past season, where the starting offense led by then-quarterback Kenny Pickett scored touchdowns on each of its five preseason possessions, the recent struggles stand in stark contrast. The team's disappointing performance last season ultimately led to the dismissal of former offensive coordinator Matt Canada.
Preseason Efforts and Adjustments
Despite the setbacks, Smith praised the efforts of his players, notably highlighting their resilience and commitment. "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, appreciating the dedication shown amidst challenging circumstances.
As the Steelers look to rectify their preseason issues, the focus remains on improving the offensive line, fine-tuning quarterback performance, and ensuring disciplinary improvements. The final preseason game against Detroit looms as a crucial opportunity for Smith and his squad to iron out the kinks before the regular season kicks off.
With high expectations and a legacy to uphold, Arthur Smith's tenure as Pittsburgh's offensive coordinator is under intense scrutiny. While the path ahead appears challenging, Smith's track record and strategic insights offer a beacon of hope for a resurgence when it truly counts.