Pittsburgh Steelers' Offensive Struggles Highlight Preseason Concerns
The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing a series of offensive challenges as they head towards the end of their preseason. Under the new guidance of Arthur Smith, Pittsburgh's recently appointed offensive coordinator, the team has struggled to find its footing. These difficulties were especially prominent during exhibition losses to the Houston Texans and the Buffalo Bills, where poor offensive line play, pre-snap penalties, and an inability to convert on possession downs were evident.
Smith, who took charge of the Steelers' offense this year, previously orchestrated the Tennessee Titans' offense. In 2019, the Titans managed only 7 points during three preseason games but then dramatically scored 43 points in Week 1 of the regular season. Additionally, the Titans finished 10th in the NFL in scoring that year, with running back Derrick Henry securing his first of consecutive rushing titles.
"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," Smith reflected on the preseason challenges.
The Steelers' offensive woes have carried over to the quarterback position, where Zach Wilson currently leads the depth chart over Justin Fields. However, Wilson's performance against Buffalo was far from encouraging. Completing 8 of 10 passes for only 47 yards, Wilson was sacked three times and failed to lead Pittsburgh to a single score during his time on the field. Fields’ struggles to score points throughout the preseason have compounded the issues, leaving Head Coach Mike Tomlin with difficult decisions to make regarding the starting quarterback.
Smith has expressed no desire to influence Tomlin's decision on the starter. "That's not a decision I have the burden to make," he remarked, emphasizing the head coach's final say on the matter. Considering the precarious performance, whether Wilson will play in Pittsburgh’s preseason finale against Detroit remains undecided.
The Steelers' offensive unit has undergone significant changes over the past year. Last season, under the then-offensive coordinator Matt Canada, the starting offense led by quarterback Kenny Pickett managed to score touchdowns on each of its five preseason possessions. However, these achievements did not translate into sustained in-season success, contributing to Canada's eventual dismissal.
This offseason, guided by Arthur Smith, Pittsburgh undertook a major overhaul of their quarterback room and offensive strategies. Yet, the growing pains are visible. The primary focus now is on honing fundamentals, reducing penalties, and ensuring a cohesive performance when the regular season begins.
Smith remains optimistic about the Steelers' resilience and commitment. "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, commending the efforts of his players despite evident struggles.
The Steelers' preseason performance has revealed critical areas that need immediate attention. As the team prepares for their final exhibition match against the Detroit Lions, all eyes will be on how they address these issues and whether Smith can replicate the turnaround he once orchestrated in Tennessee.
The upcoming decisions and adjustments will set the tone for Pittsburgh’s regular season aspirations. With a new offensive coordinator at the helm and a quarterback situation in flux, the Steelers are working diligently to correct their course and deliver when the games count.