Arthur Smith Faces Immediate Challenges as Pittsburgh's New Offensive Coordinator
Arthur Smith has stepped into the role of the Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive coordinator, a position that carries significant expectations and immediate challenges. The Steelers have experienced a rocky preseason, marked by exhibition losses to both Houston and Buffalo. The team's struggles were evident with poor offensive line play, an abundance of pre-snap penalties, and a failure to convert on critical possession downs.
These initial setbacks echo a familiar narrative for Smith. In 2019, serving as the offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans, Smith faced a similarly rough preseason. The Titans managed only 7 points in three preseason games that year but turned things around dramatically to score 43 points in Week 1 of the regular season. Under Smith's guidance, the Titans finished 10th in the NFL in scoring, and Derrick Henry clinched his first of consecutive rushing titles.
Smooth transitions may be rare in the NFL, and Pittsburgh's quarterback situation exemplifies this. Zach Wilson currently sits atop the depth chart, edging out Justin Fields. However, Wilson's performance has left much to be desired—going 8 of 10 for 47 yards while being sacked three times in the recent loss to Buffalo. During his time on the field, Wilson was unable to lead the team to a single score.
Justin Fields has also had his fair share of difficulties in putting points on the board throughout the preseason, adding an additional layer of complexity to the quarterback conundrum. Head Coach Mike Tomlin holds the final say on who will be the starting quarterback, a decision left hanging with a pending call on whether Wilson will play in Pittsburgh’s preseason finale against Detroit.
The Steelers' offensive woes this preseason are starkly contrasted against last year's performance under then-quarterback Kenny Pickett. During the previous preseason, Pittsburgh scored touchdowns on each of its five preseason possessions—an efficiency that seems distant now. The frustrations of last season, however, ultimately led to the dismissal of former offensive coordinator Matt Canada and an extensive overhaul of the quarterback room under Smith's guidance.
Amid the preseason turbulence, Smith maintains a composed 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 commented, acknowledging the team's struggles while also emphasizing the opportunity to learn and improve.
In the face of adversity, Smith also highlighted moments of resilience. Reflecting on an instance of commitment and determination, he noted, "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." These glimpses of tenacity could be vital as the team looks to solidify its identity before the regular season begins.
As Arthur Smith works to hone fundamentals, reduce penalties, and bring a cohesive performance to Pittsburgh's offensive unit, his strategic adjustments and the team’s response will be pivotal. His experience with the Titans—transforming a struggling preseason into a high-scoring regular season—provides a blueprint for a potential turnaround. However, the path ahead demands both immediate fixes and long-term vision.
Ultimately, the objective is clear: to get Pittsburgh out of its own way and back on track. Whether Wilson remains the starter or another decision is made, the focus remains on refining the skills and strategies necessary for success when the games truly count. "That's not a decision I have the burden to make," Smith candidly admitted about the quarterback uncertainty, but his role in shaping the offense cannot be understated.
As the Steelers approach their preseason finale and gear up for the regular season, the spotlight remains on Arthur Smith and his ability to navigate these initial hurdles. The coming weeks will reveal whether Smith can replicate his past success and lead Pittsburgh to a stronger, more consistent offensive performance.