Pittsburgh Steelers Look to Overcome Preseason Struggles with New Offensive Coordinator
The Pittsburgh Steelers are navigating a preseason fraught with challenges, much of it attributed to their recent offensive overhaul. Newly appointed offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has his work cut out for him, as the team has struggled in exhibition losses to Houston and Buffalo.
One of the primary areas of concern has been the offensive line, which has demonstrated poor play, pre-snap penalties, and an inability to convert on possession downs. These issues were particularly evident in the game against Buffalo, where the offensive line allowed three sacks on Zach Wilson, who went 8 of 10 for just 47 yards. Wilson's failure to lead the team to a single score during his time on the field has raised questions about his readiness.
Despite these early struggles, Arthur Smith remains undeterred. "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," he remarked, emphasizing the importance of learning from these experiences.
Smith's track record provides some hope for Steelers fans. In 2019, as the offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans, Smith faced a similar preseason predicament. The Titans managed only seven points in three preseason games, yet in Week 1 of the regular season, they exploded for 43 points. That season, the Titans finished 10th in the NFL in scoring, with running back Derrick Henry earning the first of his consecutive rushing titles.
The quarterback situation in Pittsburgh remains fluid. Currently, Zach Wilson sits atop the depth chart over Justin Fields. However, both quarterbacks have struggled to score points throughout the preseason, leading to ongoing debates about who should start. Head Coach Mike Tomlin has the final say on this decision. "That's not a decision I have the burden to make," Smith noted, deferring to Tomlin's judgment on the matter.
Wilson's performance against Buffalo, where he was sacked three times and did not lead Pittsburgh to a score, has left fans and analysts alike wondering if Fields might get another shot. The decision on whether Wilson will play in Pittsburgh’s preseason finale against Detroit is still pending, adding another layer of intrigue as the regular season approaches.
Last season, the Steelers' offensive unit, led by then-quarterback Kenny Pickett, was a well-oiled machine, scoring touchdowns on each of its five preseason possessions. However, the struggles of the regular season led to the dismissal of former offensive coordinator Matt Canada. Under Smith's guidance, there has been a significant overhaul of the quarterback room, and the focus is now on honing fundamentals, reducing penalties, and ensuring a cohesive performance when it matters most.
Reflecting on the challenges faced by his players, Smith expressed admiration for their resilience. "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 said, highlighting the determination and grit that will be crucial for the team's success.
As Pittsburgh fans look forward to the regular season, the hope is that the lessons learned during these tough preseason outings will translate into improved performances on the field. With Smith's strategic acumen and a focus on getting the basics right, the Steelers aim to reclaim their offensive prowess and make a significant impact this season.