The Pittsburgh Steelers' new offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith, faces an uphill battle as he steps into a role fraught with recent turbulence. The team's struggles have been vividly showcased in exhibition losses to Houston and Buffalo, where poor offensive line play, pre-snap penalties, and a failure to convert on possession downs underscored their performance issues.
Smith, who previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans in 2019, is no stranger to adversity. That season, the Titans managed only 7 points in three preseason games before exploding for 43 points in Week 1 of the regular season. The team ultimately ranked 10th in the NFL in scoring, largely on the back of Derrick Henry's exceptional season in which he won the first of his consecutive rushing titles.
In Pittsburgh, Smith's immediate concern revolves around the quarterback position. Zach Wilson currently tops the depth chart over Justin Fields, a decision pending final approval from Head Coach Mike Tomlin. Wilson's preseason performance has been less than stellar; he went 8 of 10 for 47 yards and was sacked three times in the loss to Buffalo. Notably, he did not lead the team to a single score during his time on the field against the Bills.
Fields, too, has struggled to score points throughout the preseason, necessitating a thoughtful decision from Tomlin regarding the starting quarterback role. "That's not a decision I have the burden to make," Smith noted, clearly deferring ultimate responsibility to Tomlin. The head coach retains the final say on whether Wilson will participate in Pittsburgh’s preseason finale against Detroit, a decision yet to be made.
The Pittsburgh offense has undergone significant changes over the past year. Under former quarterback Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh's starting offense scored touchdowns on each of its five preseason possessions last season. However, the lackluster performance in recent games led to the dismissal of former offensive coordinator Matt Canada, paving the way for Smith's arrival and a major overhaul of the quarterback room during the offseason.
"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 emphasized, reflecting on the need for fundamental improvements.
The emphasis now lies on honing fundamentals, reducing penalties, and ensuring a cohesive performance when the season kicks off. These adjustments are essential if the Steelers hope to replicate the Titans' turnaround under Smith’s guidance. His history suggests a capability to bring about significant offensive improvements, given the right conditions and personnel.
Arthur Smith's appointment marks a new chapter for the Steelers, filled with both challenges and opportunities. As Pittsburgh's offense seeks to find its rhythm, the eyes of the NFL community will be watching to see if Smith can recreate the magic he once conjured in Tennessee.
For Steelers fans, the coming weeks will be a test of patience and faith. It remains to be seen whether the team can iron out its preseason kinks and deliver when it matters most. But one thing is certain: under Arthur Smith's seasoned eye, the Pittsburgh offense is in for a rigorous transformation.