As the Pittsburgh Steelers' preseason struggles continue, the spotlight turns to their new offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith, and his efforts to rejuvenate a team that has faced significant challenges both on and off the field.
New Leadership and Lingering Issues
Arthur Smith, who took over the role of offensive coordinator for Pittsburgh after a season of turmoil, has his work cut out for him. The Steelers' recent exhibition games against Houston and Buffalo revealed critical weaknesses in their offensive line, pre-snap penalties, and inefficiencies on possession downs. These issues have led to back-to-back losses, casting a shadow over the team's preseason performance.
Smith isn't a newcomer to such challenges. In 2019, as the offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans, Smith spearheaded a turnaround that saw the team rank 10th in the NFL in scoring by the end of the season. Despite scoring a mere seven points in three preseason games, the Titans exploded for 43 points in their regular-season opener, setting a tone that culminated in Derrick Henry securing his first rushing title.
"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 said, acknowledging the current struggles while maintaining a hopeful outlook for the regular season.
Quarterback Controversies
Zach Wilson, who is currently projected as the starting quarterback over Justin Fields, has yet to demonstrate the leadership and efficiency Pittsburgh needs. In the loss to Buffalo, Wilson completed eight of ten passes for 47 yards but was sacked three times and failed to lead the team to a single score during his time on the field. Fields hasn't fared much better, struggling to score points throughout the preseason.
"That's not a decision I have the burden to make," Smith remarked, deferring to Head Coach Mike Tomlin, who ultimately holds the final call on the starting quarterback position. As of now, the decision on whether Wilson will play in Pittsburgh’s preseason finale against Detroit remains pending.
Turning the Tide
The pursuit of consistency and the demand for improvement from within are at the heart of Pittsburgh's preparations. Last season, the Steelers' starting offense, under then-quarterback Kenny Pickett, showcased promising potential by scoring touchdowns on each of its five preseason possessions under former offensive coordinator Matt Canada. This season, however, has been marked by the significant overhaul of Pittsburgh’s quarterback room, led by Smith.
Smith's focus now is on honing fundamentals, reducing penalties, and ensuring the team delivers a cohesive performance when the games matter most. "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 praised, highlighting the commitment and resilience of his players despite the stumbling blocks they've faced.
The Road Ahead
As preseason concludes, the Steelers must address the critical issues exposed in their exhibition games. With the offensive line underperforming and penalties mounting, the task ahead is daunting yet achievable. Arthur Smith's prior success with the Tennessee Titans provides a blueprint, but the execution rests on the shoulders of the current roster and coaching staff.
In Pittsburgh, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining how the team transitions from a rocky preseason to a competitive force in the regular season. The spotlight will remain on the quarterback decisions and the offensive adjustments as fans and analysts keenly await the first whistle of the new campaign.