Pittsburgh Steelers Face Offensive Hurdles as Preseason Struggles Continue
The Pittsburgh Steelers have found themselves grappling with unforeseen challenges in their preseason campaign, an unsettling prelude to the upcoming NFL regular season. With Arthur Smith recently appointed as the new offensive coordinator, the team has faced a series of disheartening exhibition losses to Houston and Buffalo, underscored by poor offensive line play, pre-snap penalties, and a glaring inability to convert on possession downs.
The offseason brought significant changes to the Steelers' offensive unit. With the departure of last season’s offensive coordinator Matt Canada, who was dismissed following a series of underwhelming performances, hopes were pinned on Smith to orchestrate a turnaround. Notably, Smith brings with him a commendable record, having served as the offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans in 2019. That year, under his guidance, the Titans not only ranked 10th in the NFL in scoring but also saw running back Derrick Henry clinch his first of two consecutive rushing titles. Despite a slow start in the preseason with just seven points over three games, the Titans rebounded spectacularly to score 43 points in Week 1 of the regular season.
Quarterback Controversy Clouds Confidence
Currently, Zach Wilson sits atop the depth chart, edging out Justin Fields. However, Wilson’s preseason performance has done little to instill confidence among fans and coaching staff alike. In the loss against Buffalo, Wilson completed 8 of 10 passes for a mere 47 yards while being sacked three times, failing to lead the team to a single score during his time on the field. Fields, too, has struggled throughout the preseason to generate points, further complicating head coach Mike Tomlin's decision on the starting quarterback—an aspect he has the final say on.
"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 commented, reflecting on the team’s early struggles.
A Complex Transition Process
The Steelers’ quarterback room has undergone a major overhaul during the offseason, all under Smith’s watchful eye. Last season, with Kenny Pickett at the helm, the starting offense impressively scored touchdowns on each of its five preseason possessions— a stark contrast to the current scenario. Now, Smith is focused on the fundamentals: reducing penalties and fostering cohesion within the offensive unit.
The road to proficiency appears steep as the Steelers persist in refining their strategies. Despite the preseason woes, Smith's prior achievements suggest a potential for a dramatic turnaround once the regular season kicks off.
Uncertain Futures and Pending Decisions
Adding to the Steelers' dilemmas is the question of whether Wilson will participate in the preseason finale against Detroit, a decision that remains pending. Speaking about the quarterback situation, Smith remarked, "That's not a decision I have the burden to make." The weight of these decisions lies squarely on Tomlin’s shoulders as he navigates the complexities of preparing his team for the regular season.
Addressing the efforts of backup players, Smith noted, "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."
Summary: Focus on Fundamentals
As the Steelers push forward in their preseason engagements, the emphasis remains on refining their approach and ensuring that these early missteps serve as valuable lessons rather than foreshadowing a turbulent season ahead. Smith's focus on honing fundamentals and addressing penalties is aimed at delivering a cohesive and effective performance when it counts. Whether this strategy will translate into regular season success remains to be seen, but for now, the Steelers must grapple with the immediate task of righting their ship before the real battles begin.