Arthur Smith Urges Calm Amid Pittsburgh's Preseason Struggles
Green Bay Packers fans may recall the infamous moment in 2014 when Aaron Rodgers asked them to "relax" after a sluggish start to the season. Fast forward a decade, and Arthur Smith, Pittsburgh's new offensive coordinator, is echoing that same sentiment to Steelers fans and players following a lackluster start to their preseason.
The Steelers' offensive woes were crippling in their exhibition losses to Houston and Buffalo. Poor offensive line play, pre-snap penalties, and a failure to convert on possession downs highlighted their struggles. Despite the disappointment, Smith is sending out a message of calm and focus.
"Preseason can distort reality, good or bad. We've all seen it. That's not making excuses," Smith remarked. "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."
This isn't unfamiliar territory for Smith. In 2019, he was the offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans, overseeing a team that managed only 7 points in three preseason games before erupting for 43 points in Week 1. The Titans went on to rank 10th in the NFL in scoring that season, largely thanks to Derrick Henry, who won his first of consecutive rushing titles.
Quarterback Questions
Pittsburgh’s quarterback situation remains up in the air as the preseason winds down. Zach Wilson, currently sitting atop the depth chart over Justin Fields, has not inspired confidence. In the loss to Buffalo, Wilson went 8 of 10 for 47 yards and was sacked three times without leading Pittsburgh to a single score during his time on the field. Fields hasn’t fared much better, struggling to score points throughout the preseason.
Arthur Smith remains supportive of Wilson's effort, saying, "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."
Despite Wilson’s resilience, the decision of who will start at quarterback for the Steelers remains open. Head Coach Mike Tomlin has the final call and a decision on whether Wilson will play in Pittsburgh’s preseason finale against Detroit is still pending.
Coaching Changes and Offensive Overhauls
The Pittsburgh offense has seen significant changes in the past year. Last season, the team’s starting offense, led by then-quarterback Kenny Pickett, showed promise by scoring touchdowns on each of its five preseason possessions. However, they faltered when it mattered most, leading to the in-season dismissal of offensive coordinator Matt Canada. This prompted a major overhaul of the quarterback room during the offseason under the new guidance of Smith.
Smith acknowledges the challenges but also stresses the need for patience and perseverance. "That's not a decision I have the burden to make," he stated, referring to the upcoming quarterback decision. The focus remains on honing their fundamentals, reducing penalties, and ensuring a cohesive performance when the games count.
While the preseason blues can be concerning, Smith's historical perspective offers a glimmer of hope. Drawing from his past experiences, he remains optimistic that the Steelers can turn things around come the regular season. The main task now is to iron out the inconsistencies and prepare for a stronger showing when the stakes are higher.
In the coming days, as the Steelers finalize their roster and make pivotal decisions, the watchful eyes of Pittsburgh fans will be closely following. If Smith’s past is any indicator, the mantra remains steady: Relax and trust the process.