In a significant coaching decision, the Pittsburgh Steelers have appointed Arthur Smith as their new offensive coordinator. Smith’s arrival marks a shift towards a more ground-focused offensive strategy set to define the team’s gameplay in the 2024 season. This strategic pivot aims to leverage the strengths of their running backs, emphasizing both their performance and health.
The Steelers' new direction under Smith was put to an early test during a recent preseason game against the Buffalo Bills. The game, which ended in a 9-3 victory for the Bills, saw a notable setback for the Steelers when running back Jaylen Warren suffered a hamstring injury in the second quarter. Warren had just caught a pass from quarterback Russell Wilson and managed to walk off the field under his own power, only to be quickly ruled doubtful for the remainder of the game.
Despite his brief appearance, Warren made an impact with three touches, contributing 14 yards as a receiver before his untimely exit. His presence on the field has been felt since he joined the team as an undrafted free agent in 2022. Demonstrating his versatility and reliability, Warren nearly amassed 800 rushing yards and caught 61 passes for 370 receiving yards in the 2023 season. His development into a dual-threat back has been a significant asset for the Steelers, complementing the efforts of lead ball-carrier Najee Harris.
Harris, who has surpassed the 1,000-yard rushing mark in each of his three seasons with the team, was also active in the game against Buffalo. Along with veteran reserves Cordarrelle Patterson and La'Mical Perine receiving early carries, the Steelers showcased their depth at the running back position. This depth will be crucial as they navigate through the preseason and assess Warren’s recovery from his injury.
Warren’s injury, occurring in a non-competitive environment, highlights the inherent risks of preseason games. Nevertheless, these games are vital for evaluating players' readiness and adaptation to new strategies. Arthur Smith’s run-heavy scheme will place even greater importance on the health and performance of the Steelers' running backs moving forward.
Preseason progress remains critical as the Steelers aim to implement their revamped offensive game plan. The health of their key players, especially running backs like Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris, will be closely monitored to ensure the team can capitalize on their ground game potential. With a seasoned approach to the game, Arthur Smith’s introduction brings optimism and a renewed focus on establishing a dominant rushing attack.