As the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare for the upcoming NFL season, significant changes and challenges characterize their current landscape. Arthur Smith, the newly appointed offensive coordinator, has inherited an offense just emerging from a tumultuous period marked by poor performance and strategic reshuffles.
Arthur Smith's Transition to Pittsburgh
Smith's presence in Pittsburgh signals a new strategic direction. The former Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator brings a commendable track record, with his 2019 season showcasing his capability. Under Smith's guidance, the Titans ranked 10th in the NFL in scoring and saw Derrick Henry securing his first of two consecutive rushing titles. However, it's worth noting that the Titans also struggled during the preseason that year, managing only seven points across three games. All doubts were eventually dispelled when they exploded for 43 points in Week 1 of the regular season.
This precedent of a slow preseason but a strong regular-season start offers a glimmer of hope for Steelers fans who have witnessed their team's struggles this preseason. The Steelers recorded exhibition losses against Houston and Buffalo, plagued by poor offensive line play, pre-snap penalties, and missed opportunities on possession downs.
Quarterback Controversy
One of the most pressing decisions facing the Steelers' coaching staff involves the quarterback position. Zach Wilson currently sits atop the depth chart over Justin Fields, but his performance has been underwhelming. Wilson went 8 of 10 for 47 yards and was sacked three times during the loss to Buffalo. Notably, Wilson failed to lead the team to a single score during his time on the field, a concerning stat for someone poised as a potential starter.
Justin Fields, meanwhile, has also struggled to score throughout the preseason, adding layers of complexity to the decision-making process. Head Coach Mike Tomlin has the final say on who will start, and as it stands, a decision on whether Wilson will play in the preseason finale against Detroit is pending.
"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," Arthur Smith remarked, encapsulating the delicate balance between acknowledging preseason struggles and maintaining optimism for the regular season.
Cultural and Strategic Overhaul
Last season's ineffectiveness led to the dismissal of former offensive coordinator Matt Canada, prompting this period of transition. The Pittsburgh offense saw significant changes, marked by a major overhaul of the quarterback room and a renewed focus on fundamentals, under Arthur Smith’s direction.
“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 commented, highlighting the effort and commitment levels within the team. Such grit might be what the Steelers need to turn preseason crises into regular-season opportunities.
Pittsburgh’s offense is determined to refine its performance ahead of the new season. The Steelers' starting offense, led by then-quarterback Kenny Pickett, scored touchdowns on each of its five preseason possessions last year. This efficiency, however, faded as the season progressed, prompting the sweeping changes seen this offseason.
"That's not a decision I have the burden to make," Smith said about the starting quarterback conundrum, a statement that perhaps underscores the collaborative yet high-pressure environment within the Steelers' coaching team.
Focused on Fundamentals
As the Steelers look to turn their fortunes around, the current focus is on honing fundamentals, reducing penalties, and ensuring a cohesive performance when the games truly count. Smith’s history of shaky preseason performances followed by dynamic regular-season turnarounds could be the blueprint for Pittsburgh. The upcoming preseason finale against Detroit will be critical, not just for evaluating individual performances but for setting the tone for the season ahead.
The road to a successful NFL season is wrought with challenges, but with a clear focus on fundamentals and strong leadership, the Steelers hope to overcome their preseason woes. Both veterans and newcomers alike understand what's at stake, and the decisions made in the coming days will set the stage for either another season of mediocrity or a return to the formidable reputation the franchise once enjoyed.