The Pittsburgh Steelers made a significant announcement on Tuesday, revealing that they have appointed Arthur Smith, the former head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, as their new offensive coordinator. Smith, who served as the Falcons’ head coach for three years, compiling a record of 21-30, also took on the role of the team’s offensive playcaller.
The response from the Steelers fanbase to this hiring has been less than enthusiastic. Critics point to Smith’s inability to achieve top-15 rankings in yardage and points during his tenure with the Falcons, despite having standout skill position players like Kyle Pitts, Drake London, and Bijan Robinson, all selected in the top-10 of recent draft classes.
One factor potentially contributing to Smith’s challenges in Atlanta was the quarterback situation. Dealing with an aging Matt Ryan, Marcus Mariota, and rookie Desmond Ridder, Smith faced difficulties in achieving consistent quarterback performance. The Steelers themselves are not settled at quarterback, with a looming offseason competition involving third-year quarterback Kenny Pickett, potentially competing with Mason Rudolph and other contenders.
Despite these concerns, evaluating the hiring of Arthur Smith as the Steelers’ offensive coordinator presents a complex task. On the positive side, Smith brings extensive play-calling experience, known for keeping defenses off balance. His past success with the Tennessee Titans showcased an efficient, low-volume pass attack that led the league in various metrics.
Smith’s offensive philosophy, emphasizing a run-heavy approach, aligns well with the Steelers’ traditional style of play. This approach involves wearing down defenses, utilizing play-action, and prioritizing efficiency. In terms of fit for the Steelers’ objectives, Smith’s previous offensive schemes seem to resonate with the team’s ethos.
An area where Smith could make a positive impact is in enhancing Kenny Pickett’s performance under play action. Pickett’s limited exposure to play-action attempts could benefit from Smith’s emphasis on creating moments of uncertainty for defenses, potentially improving efficiency and scoring.
While the hiring of Arthur Smith may not be considered the most glamorous choice, it appears to align with the Steelers’ preference for a robust, physical style of play. Given the team’s investment in defense, this approach may complement their overall strategy, particularly if the offensive line shows improvement in the upcoming season.
Overall, the grade for this hiring hovers around a B to a B-. While not necessarily sparking visions of innovation, Smith’s approach may be what the Steelers need to minimize Pickett’s weaknesses and establish a solid foundation for their offense. For fans hoping for a more dynamic offensive scheme, the hiring may fall short of expectations.
