Challenges and Changes in Pittsburgh’s Offensive Strategy
The Pittsburgh Steelers are navigating through a series of transitions as they prepare for the upcoming NFL season. At the heart of these changes is Arthur Smith, Pittsburgh's newly appointed offensive coordinator. Smith, who was the offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans in 2019, is facing significant hurdles, reminiscent of the struggles he encountered with the Titans during their preseason that year.
Under Smith's guidance, the Titans managed only 7 points across three preseason games in 2019, only to rebound spectacularly with 43 points in their Week 1 matchup. The Titans ended up ranking 10th in the NFL in scoring that season, with Derrick Henry clinching his first of consecutive rushing titles.
Smith's current challenge is steering Pittsburgh's offense back on track. The Steelers' exhibition losses to Houston and Buffalo were marked by poor offensive line play, pre-snap penalties, and a disappointing effort on possession downs. Smith has made it clear that these issues are unacceptable but stressed the value of learning from these preseason setbacks.
"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 candidly remarked.
Quarterback Controversies
Another pressing issue is the quarterback situation. Zach Wilson currently sits atop the depth chart over Justin Fields, but neither quarterback has shown the ability to lead the team effectively thus far. In the recent loss to Buffalo, Wilson completed 8 of 10 passes for 47 yards but was sacked three times and failed to lead Pittsburgh to a single scoring drive. Fields, similarly, has struggled to put points on the board throughout the preseason.
The decision on the starting quarterback ultimately rests with Head Coach Mike Tomlin. Smith, addressing this burden, commented, "That's not a decision I have the burden to make." However, it’s clear that the quarterback performance will be a critical factor in determining the offensive scheme moving forward.
Last Season's Performances and Current Adjustments
The previous season witnessed a contrasting preseason performance from the Steelers. Under then-offensive coordinator Matt Canada's leadership, Pittsburgh’s starting offense, spearheaded by quarterback Kenny Pickett, scored touchdowns on each of its five preseason possessions. However, these initial successes did not translate into sustained performance, leading to Canada's dismissal and the subsequent overhaul of the quarterback room under Smith's guidance.
With Smith at the helm, Pittsburgh's offense has seen significant changes. The focus has been on honing fundamentals, reducing penalties, and ensuring a cohesive performance when the regular season begins. The upcoming preseason finale against Detroit remains crucial, with a decision still pending on whether Wilson will take the field.
Looking Forward
Despite the challenges, there's a sense of cautious optimism surrounding the team's prospects. As Smith works to rebuild the offensive strategy, the support from within the team remains unwavering. Citing an example, Smith praised a player, "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."
The Pittsburgh Steelers' journey under Arthur Smith’s direction is reminiscent of the transformative season he steered with the Titans. While the road ahead is fraught with challenges, the lessons from both past and present give a blueprint for overcoming these hurdles. As the team moves towards the regular season, the focus remains on creating a resilient and adaptive offense capable of rising to the demands of the NFL.