Steelers Are Toying With New Offensive Formation

Training camp is a time for the Pittsburgh Steelers to tinker with some new ideas. Team development can be a fun period of time, as long as players don't let the heat get to them -- or, in Pittsburgh's case, the rain. Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith always has a few tricks up his sleeve, and he is ready to test them out. The lack of high-end talent at the skill positions may make it harder on him to develop some trickery, but that won't stop him from trying. 

During walkthroughs on Tuesday before thunderstorms cleared the field, insider Mike DeFabo noted an unusual formation that was being tested out, as Smith tries to add some new items into his little bag of tricks.

Tight end Darnell Washington was previously rumored to be swapping from his position to offensive line after he was drafted in the first place, but that was not the case. This formation with him playing left tackle does not mean he is moving there permanently. His 6'7" frame just makes this idea more doable for the Steelers. It's to be determined if this idea sticks during camp and into the regular season. 

With left tackle Broderick Jones currently injured, Calvin Anderson got the key rep in this new look. Jones' struggles on the right side have been well-documented in recent years, so moving him back to that side may not work. However, Anderson has proven to be a quality swing tackle, so he could move to the right side of the formation next to Troy Fautanu, and they could make this formation much more plausible. 

When Jones comes back, maybe Fautanu could play next to him if the formation gets flipped, especially since the second-year player was primarily on the left side in college. For now, running these new plays with Fautanu and Anderson on the right side is the best course of action to see how well it can work. There is plenty of potential for this strategy to work, especially in a Smith-led offense.

Steelers' Upside With New Potential Formation

DeFabo listed the strengths of this double-tackle formation, as it could turn out to be a massive problem for opposing defenses. 

The biggest weakness is that the direction of the play will be obvious, as the offense would likely work towards the side with the most offensive linemen. However, the unit can neutralize that by rushing to the line of scrimmage and snapping the ball quickly, as DeFabo noted. Getting two linemen on some of the top edge rushers, like Myles Garrett, could help slow them down and make it easier for the running backs to find a lane. 

It's also to be determined to see how this plays out when Jones returns to the field, and if they'd be willing to have him switch sides for this formation or take him off the field for Anderson. There are still many things to tinker with and figure out in a unique way of lining up like this. That is one of the many reasons training camp and preseason exist though: to work out all the kinks and make it great.

What do you think of the Steelers' new double-tackle formation? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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