The Pittsburgh Steelers have lost their ways in recent years when it comes to dominating the rest of the National Football League. Their biggest and most noticeable issue has been performing on offense and putting up points. Last season, the Steelers were 25th in total yards per game and 28th in points per game. Pittsburgh's front office headed into the 2024 offseason with three major concerns on offense: coordinator, line, and quarterback. The Steelers addressed all of those, and it was easy for Arthur Smith to come to Pittsburgh to be their new play-caller.
Steelers.com
Steelers Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith is making a big impact quickly in Pittsburgh with their offense.
The Steelers have managed to continue their non-losing season streak in spite of their putrid offense. They haven't been top 10 in yards per game since 2018. Thanks to Mike Tomlin's top-notch coaching and their stellar defense, the organization still manages to be in playoff contention just about every season.
The Steelers seem to be set up for success once again. Smith spent his previous three seasons with the Atlanta Falcons as their head coach, but was let go after another rough season. When the Steelers were searching for a new offensive coordinator and gave Smith the call, he said it was an easy decision to come to the Steel City.
Even with the question marks at quarterback, Smith revealed during a Tennessee radio segment that he didn't care who would be under center, he just wanted to coach for Tomlin.
"Once Mike Tomlin called me, I wanted to come here," Smith said. "I wanted to work in Pittsburgh. I didn't care who the quarterback was. I wanted to work for Mike Tomlin, the Pittsburgh Steelers."
Smith and Tomlin surely have their hands full with quarterbacks at training camp in Latrobe. Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are in the midst of their competition for the Steelers' starting gig. Wilson has been cautiously sidelined with a calf injury, which has opened the door for Fields to make his case.
Associated Press
Steelers' Justin Fields running with the football for a score at training during camp in Latrobe, PA.
Whether it's Fields or Wilson under center, the Pittsburgh offense should improve drastically. Smith and the Steelers have put a lot of emphasis on the offensive line this offseason, which has also been poor in recent years. Great things have been said about Smith and his effect on the offense so far, so hopefully the Steelers will finally have an offense that can be exciting to watch.
Steelers' Russell Wilson Versus Justin Fields Catching A Lot Of Eyes
The big question looming in the Steel City is who will be the starter against the Falcons in their Week 1 matchup. According to Tomlin and the Steelers, Wilson was, and still remains, in pole position. However, his recent injury has left Fields with the first team during training camp so far, and he's been trying to make the most out of it. Early on, Fields seemed to have some struggles with his consistency, which was a big knock on him coming from the Chicago Bears. As he got more comfortable with more reps though, Fields has been grabbing a ton of attention.
Steelers.com
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Justin Fields (2) throws the ball during a drill at OTAs.
Wilson has slowly increased his workload day by day at camp, but he's still nowhere near taking the amount of snaps as Fields. The Steelers have about one week until their first preseason game when they host the Houston Texans, which will be an important time to see where the quarterbacks are at.
Regardless of who wins the job, the Steelers' offense should see major improvements from the last few seasons. With Smith's smarter play-calling and a better unit up front, the Steelers have a better opportunity for their running game and their quarterbacks.
What do you make of Smith's words on deciding to come to Pittsburgh? How will he turn their offense around? Who do you want to see as the Week 1 starting quarterback? Let us know in the comments below, or on our social media feeds.
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