As the Pittsburgh Steelers navigate the preseason, significant changes on and off the field have captured the attention of fans and analysts alike. One of the most notable developments is the introduction of Arthur Smith as the new offensive coordinator. Smith, who previously orchestrated the Tennessee Titans' offense, aims to rejuvenate Pittsburgh's attack.
Smith's appointment marks a pivotal shift after a challenging period for the Steelers. The preseason has not been kind to Pittsburgh, with exhibition losses to Houston and Buffalo highlighting glaring issues. Poor offensive line play, pre-snap penalties, and a failure to convert on key possession downs have underscored the team’s struggles.
Reflecting on his time with the Titans in 2019, Smith is no stranger to rocky preseason performances. His offense then managed a mere seven points across three preseason games before erupting for 43 points in Week 1 of the regular season. That same year, the Titans ascended to 10th in the NFL in scoring, thanks in part to Derrick Henry's breakout performance, culminating in the first of his back-to-back rushing titles.
Comparisons to his past work provide a glimmer of hope for Steelers fans hoping for a turnaround. Smith himself is well aware of the distorted reality preseason games can often present. "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 remarked.
The quarterback situation remains one of the most contentious issues within the team. Zach Wilson, currently sitting atop the depth chart over Justin Fields, faced considerable pressure during the loss to Buffalo. Wilson's performance, going 8 of 10 for 47 yards while being sacked three times and failing to lead a single scoring drive, highlights the severity of the team's offensive woes.
Fields, for his part, has also struggled to ignite the offense throughout the preseason. With both quarterbacks failing to meet expectations, Head Coach Mike Tomlin holds the critical decision-making power for who will start. As Smith succinctly put it, "That's not a decision I have the burden to make."
While uncertainty lingers over Wilson's participation in the preseason finale against Detroit, the coaching staff's priority remains clear: honing fundamentals, reducing penalties, and ensuring cohesive performances when the regular season begins. The team is making a concerted effort to right the ship after a disappointing previous season, which culminated in the dismissal of former offensive coordinator Matt Canada. Under Canada's stewardship, Pittsburgh’s offense showed promise, with then-quarterback Kenny Pickett leading scoring drives on each of his five preseason possessions.
Smith's introduction has also coincided with a major overhaul of Pittsburgh’s quarterback room. His influence is evident as the team seeks to find its rhythm and establish a more consistent offensive identity. Recalling an instance that showcased resilience amid adversity, Smith praised a player's determination, stating, "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."
As the Steelers gear up for the final preseason game and edge closer to the regular season, the focus remains steadfast. Amid the numerous changes and adjustments, the objective is to emerge as a well-oiled machine ready for Week 1. The path forward includes minimizing self-inflicted wounds and ensuring every player is prepared to contribute effectively. The journey under Arthur Smith's guidance is just beginning, and the promise of a resurgence looms large for Pittsburgh's storied franchise.