In a city passionate about its football, Pittsburgh's latest developments have both fans and analysts engaged in lively discussions. Arthur Smith, brought on board as the new offensive coordinator, is navigating rocky preseason waters with the Steelers, characterized by discouraging exhibition losses to Houston and Buffalo. These games have exposed glaring weaknesses in the offensive line, several pre-snap penalties, and a notable failure to convert on possession downs.
Smith, who helmed the Tennessee Titans' offense in 2019, brings a pedigree of success. Under his guidance, the Titans had ranked a commendable 10th in the NFL in scoring during the 2019 season, a year which saw Derrick Henry secure his first of consecutive rushing titles. However, the early stages of that season were similarly slow, as the Titans managed a mere seven points across three preseason games before exploding with 43 points in Week 1 of the regular season. This history serves as both a cautionary tale and a beacon of hope for Steelers fans.
Smith is fully aware of Pittsburgh's current struggles and has commented on the deceptive nature of preseason performances. “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," he said, encapsulating the balance of urgency and patience sought in these formative games.
Quarterback Conundrum
The Steelers' quarterback situation remains one of the most scrutinized aspects of their preseason. Zach Wilson, positioned ahead of Justin Fields on the depth chart, has not impressed during his time on the field. His performance against Buffalo, where he completed 8 of 10 passes for 47 yards but was sacked three times, starkly underscored the offensive struggles; he did not lead the team to a single score. Likewise, Fields has had his own difficulties putting points on the board throughout the preseason.
With head coach Mike Tomlin holding the ultimate decision-making authority on the starting quarterback, the team’s immediate path is uncertain. Tomlin's decision on whether Wilson will play in Pittsburgh’s final preseason game against Detroit is still pending. Smith, focusing on player evaluation and team morale, remarked, "That's not a decision I have the burden to make," emphasizing a collective responsibility in fine-tuning the offensive outfit.
Offensive Overhaul and Expectations
The Steelers’ offense has undergone significant transformations over the past year. A season ago, under quarterback Kenny Pickett, the team’s preseason performances were stellar, scoring touchdowns on all five possessions. However, the disappointing regular-season output led to the dismissal of then offensive coordinator Matt Canada and paved the way for Smith's arrival.
Arthur Smith's tenure has already seen a substantial overhaul of the quarterback room, reflecting his vision for a revitalized offense. The emphasis now lies in honing fundamentals, reducing penalties, and ensuring a cohesive performance when the regular season kicks off. "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 said, highlighting the dedication and resilience he expects from his players.
As the Steelers prepare for their final preseason face-off against Detroit, the focus will be on tightening up the ship. Pittsburgh fans remain hopeful that the preseason woes are nothing more than smoke before fire, drawing inspiration from Smith’s previous turnaround with the Titans. The coming weeks will prove pivotal as the team seeks to align its talent and strategy to recapture the execution and dynamism that Pittsburgh football fans have long cherished.