Pittsburgh's Offensive Woes: A Season of Many Changes
As Pittsburgh's preseason unfolds, the narrative centers on transition and uncertainty. Arthur Smith, the newly appointed offensive coordinator, steps into a role marked by a pressing need for improvement. His predecessor, Matt Canada, couldn't survive the tumultuous changes that marred the previous season.
Pittsburgh's struggles were evident during exhibition losses to Houston and Buffalo. The offense was beleaguered by poor line play, pre-snap penalties, and an alarming inability to convert on possession downs. These issues have led to a growing concern among the team's supporters.
Smith, however, is no stranger to transforming struggling offenses. In 2019, he oversaw the Tennessee Titans’ offense, which sputtered in the preseason, scoring a mere seven points across three games. Nevertheless, under Smith's guidance, the Titans roared into the regular season, posting an astounding 43 points in their opening game. That season, the Titans finished tenth in the NFL in scoring, while Derrick Henry clinched his initial rushing title.
The quarterback situation in Pittsburgh adds another layer to the complex narrative. Zach Wilson currently sits atop the depth chart, positioned ahead of Justin Fields. However, Wilson's performance against Buffalo was far from inspiring. Completing eight of ten passes for a meager 47 yards, Wilson also endured three sacks and failed to lead the team to a single score during his time on the field.
Fields, regrettably, hasn’t fared much better, struggling to generate points throughout the preseason. This places an immense burden on Head Coach Mike Tomlin, who ultimately holds the final word on the starting quarterback decision. Tomlin’s decision on whether Wilson will play in Pittsburgh’s preseason finale against Detroit remains pending.
Smith's outlook remains pragmatic, recognizing the deceptive nature of preseason performances. "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.
The offensive line’s shortcomings are particularly concerning, recalling the stability once provided by Kenny Pickett. Last season, under Pickett's leadership, Pittsburgh's starting offense achieved an impressive feat, scoring touchdowns on each of its five preseason possessions. Unfortunately, the current season’s early showings have not inspired similar confidence.
The offseason brought a significant overhaul to Pittsburgh’s quarterback room, directed by Smith’s strategic vision. This restructuring heightens the need to refine fundamentals, minimize penalties, and achieve a cohesive performance when the games count the most. The goal is clear: avoid a repeat of last season's disappointments.
Smith's gratitude towards the players’ efforts is evident, particularly concerning Russ, who despite limited reps, showcased commitment and resolve during the preseason. "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 acknowledged.
Pittsburgh fans anxiously await to see if the team can overcome its preseason tribulations to deliver a successful regular season. For now, the focus is keenly on honing the basics and developing cohesion within the team. They must demonstrate that they can rise above the preseason malaise and meet the expectations set for them.
As the preseason barrels towards its conclusion, the anticipation, and pressure, mounts. Smith's task is colossal but not insurmountable, and his history suggests that he's more than capable of engineering a turnaround. Whether Wilson or Fields leads the charge, the Steelers' faithful demand nothing less than a potent and disciplined offensive unit.