Arthur Smith's New Role With the Pittsburgh Steelers: Navigating Preseason Challenges and Expectations
Arthur Smith, the newly appointed offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers, is no stranger to the complexities and pressures of the role. His tenure with the Tennessee Titans in 2019 serves as a testament to his ability to navigate through challenging preseason performances. Back then, the Titans struggled with just 7 points in three preseason games, only to explode for 43 points in the Week 1 regular-season opener. Under Smith's guidance, the Titans ended the season ranked 10th in the NFL in scoring, with Derrick Henry seizing his first of two consecutive rushing titles.
However, Smith faces new hurdles in Pittsburgh. The Steelers' preseason has been marked by disappointing exhibition losses to Houston and Buffalo. These defeats have spotlighted several issues: poor offensive line play, pre-snap penalties, and a troubling inability to convert on possession downs. When discussing the team's recent struggles, Smith candidly remarked, "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."
Adding further complexity to Smith's task is the ongoing debate over the starting quarterback position. Zach Wilson currently sits atop the depth chart over Justin Fields. In the recent loss to Buffalo, Wilson completed 8 of 10 passes for 47 yards but was sacked three times and failed to lead a single scoring drive. Fields, similarly, has struggled to put points on the board throughout the preseason. Head Coach Mike Tomlin has the final call on the quarterback decision, adding another layer of intrigue to the unfolding narrative. "That's not a decision I have the burden to make," Smith commented, recognizing the weight of the final call.
Speculation is rife over whether Wilson will play in the Steelers' preseason finale against Detroit, a decision still pending. Smith's focus, though, remains razor-sharp on refining the basics—reducing penalties and ensuring a cohesive, disciplined performance when the games truly matter. "The Pittsburgh offense saw significant changes this past year," Smith noted. Indeed, there has been a substantial overhaul of the quarterback room under his guidance.
This transformation is partly driven by the fallout from last season's struggles, which ultimately led to the dismissal of then-offensive coordinator Matt Canada. Interestingly, last season, Pittsburgh's starting offense, under the leadership of quarterback Kenny Pickett, managed to score touchdowns on each of its five preseason possessions, a stark contrast to their current form. "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, pointing to individual resilience amidst team struggles.
As the Steelers gear up for their final preseason matchup and the imminent regular season, all eyes will be on Smith's ability to orchestrate a turnaround. With his history of overcoming preseason woes and his strategic adjustments in Pittsburgh, Smith's expertise will be crucial. The focus remains on honing fundamentals, reducing errors, and delivering a performance that meets the storied franchise's high standards when the stakes are at their highest.
The upcoming weeks promise to be pivotal. Will the Steelers find their rhythm under Smith's experienced eye? Can they address their current issues and emerge as a cohesive force in the NFL? One thing is certain: Arthur Smith’s tenure in Pittsburgh will be watched with keen interest, and his ability to navigate and rectify these early-season challenges will be instrumental in determining the success of the Steelers' campaign.