Steelers' Arthur Smith Reveals What His Perfect Offense Really Looks Like

The Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver room and passing attack as a whole has been a major topic of discussion in the 2025 NFL season. The Steelers have Aaron Rodgers, and he’s got a superstar to throw the football to in DK Metcalf. Then there’s Calvin Austin III and second-year wide receiver Roman Wilson, who are starting to shore up the depth in that room and prove they can be reliable contributors. 

The Steelers also have a myriad of tight ends in Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, and Darnell Washington, giving Rodgers a deep and versatile group of targets to work with. While many thought the Steelers should have made a trade for another wide receiver at the deadline, the offense appears to be finding its rhythm with what it already has.

Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith has emphasized that the Steelers’ offensive success is not about one player dominating the stat sheet but about balance. On Thursday, Smith addressed the Pittsburgh media, pointing out that the Steelers have no player ranked among the top 50 in the NFL in targets. To some, that might sound like a concern in today’s pass-heavy league, but Smith views it as a strength. His offensive philosophy has long been built around spreading the football, creating mismatches, and rewarding unselfish play. According to Smith, the team’s ability to keep defenses guessing and involve everyone in the offense is exactly what makes it so dangerous.

"I think that is a credit to Aaron as well," Smith said while speaking to the Pittsburgh media on Thursday. "I mean that is the way he plays the game. I think the guys understand. Going back to that game last week, we did a couple of things to try and get DK going. They were trying to double him so that is why it's so important to adapt and have the players."

Smith went on to praise the unselfishness of his group of eligibles, players who understand that success is not measured solely by touches or targets. 

He noted that every week brings a different opportunity, whether it is Metcalf commanding double coverage to open things up underneath or tight ends exploiting mismatches against linebackers. 

"You have things on a call sheet and go over and have a conversation," Smith said. "Sometimes Aaron sees something during the drive."

The players have fully embraced that mentality, and it is showing in the Steelers’ balanced attack. With Rodgers distributing the ball efficiently and Smith orchestrating an offense that thrives on teamwork, Pittsburgh’s passing game may not be flashy on paper, but it is becoming one of the most quietly effective systems in the league.

Steelers' DK Metcalf Responds To Lack Of Targets Against Colts

The Steelers did not give up valuable capital and pay Metcalf a massive contract just to barely use him. However, as Smith highlighted, during the game against the Indianapolis Colts where Metcalf caught only two passes for six yards, the plan was still to get him involved early. Smith explained that the Steelers entered the game with an intention to feature Metcalf, but Rodgers simply took what the defense gave him. 

That approach is what helped make Rodgers a four-time league MVP, and he is spreading the ball around effectively in Pittsburgh. Metcalf, for his part, responded to the lack of targets by saying he only cares about winning.