The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up to kick off the 2025 regular season against the New York Jets on Sunday at MetLife Stadium. This is a favorable game that the Steelers should be able to win, as Pittsburgh has a clear advantage when it comes to its defense facing off against Justin Fields and the Jets' offense. Pittsburgh has one of the most star-studded defensive units in the league, and the group should be able to take the ball away from New York's offense multiple times. The worry comes in with Pittsburgh's offense, which is more of a question mark.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) and Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith (right) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Pittsburgh's offense has been inconsistent over the last several seasons, and at times the unit has not been able to move the ball an inch. Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith is entering his second season running the offense in Pittsburgh, and he has a ton of new faces to work with. The most important newcomer to Pittsburgh is quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who could be the best player at the position that the Steelers have had in years. Smith spoke to the media on Thursday, and he shared that things are going to be different in 2025 on offense.
Asked about using the middle of the field more this season, Arthur Smith notes that last year they had Russell Wilson who's strength is throwing go-balls, George Pickens on the outside, and so forth.
— Brian Batko (@BrianBatko) September 4, 2025
"This year will be different."
This is an encouraging message for the fan base, as it was quite obvious during the 2024 season that the offense was avoiding the middle of the field. This could have been because of former quarterback Russell Wilson, who Smith might have not trusted to keep the ball out of harm's way when passing over that area.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
While it is good to hear this message from the offensive coordinator, it is a bit hard to believe until it is seen in action. Week 1 against the Jets is going to be telling, as New York has some talented cornerbacks and a decent pass rush that could make it difficult to move the ball through the air. Smith being open to throwing the ball over the middle of the field will give the offense some more layers, which would make it less predictable for an opposing defense.
Going over the middle of the field in the passing game likely means more involvement from the tight ends in Pittsburgh. Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith will be relied upon heavily, and a criticism of the offense in the past has been the lack of targets for Freiermuth. He has the talent to be one of the better tight ends in the NFL, and Arthur Smith seems like he might actually give him a chance to be that in 2025.
Steelers Could Utilize Roman Wilson Over The Middle Of The Field As Well
A missing piece of the offense in 2024 was wide receiver Roman Wilson. He played sparingly in one game and didn't see a target, while he was essentially redshirted throughout the rest of the 2024 season. He is a reliable and talented route runner who could be used extensively in the intermediate passing game, which will make things easier when trying to throw the ball over the middle. Wilson also has reliable hands, and his connection with Rodgers will only grow as the 2025 season moves along.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (10) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
All signs point to the Steelers being better on the offensive side of the ball in 2025, and hopefully that is something that comes to fruition. It might be difficult at the start due to the amount of new faces, but the group should be able to catch its stride at some point.
What do you think of Arthur Smith's remarks? Let us know in the comments below!
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