The Pittsburgh Steelers have been making waves this offseason, with one of the most significant moves being the addition of former Atlanta Falcons Head Coach Arthur Smith as their new offensive coordinator. This announcement sparked excitement among Steelers fans, as bringing in a former head coach as an assistant is always viewed positively. Despite Smith's struggles with the Falcons, his track record as an excellent offensive coordinator prior to that stint speaks volumes.
During his tenure with the Tennessee Titans, Smith's playbook emphasized a play-action offense and a run-heavy approach. This style of play resonates with Steelers fans, given the team's strong personnel suited for such a system. With Smith at the helm of the offense in Pittsburgh, there's anticipation for an offensive resurgence.
One player poised to benefit greatly from Smith's arrival is running back Jaylen Warren. He recently joined teammate Cam Heyward on the Not Just Football podcast to discuss the stark differences between Smith and former offensive coordinator Matt Canada, shedding light on the new direction the Steelers' offense is set to take under Smith's leadership.
"I'd say his biggest difference is he's very interactive in the meetings. You want to pay attention because he's gonna call you out if you're not paying attention. It's happened a couple times. I think his approach to being the OC is really good.”
Heyward, putting his younger teammate to the test, probed Warren for further insight. He prompted him to go deeper into his observations, urging him to elaborate on what improvements he's noticed under Smith's guidance.
"I've seen how he runs the run game, especially after learning the playbook. He wants speed off the ball. Breaking the huddle, he wants to run to the ball instead of lollygagging and getting to it. He wants intensity, and I really like that. I love that, actually. I'm on that train with him.”
It's important to acknowledge that interactions with Smith have been relatively brief, considering his recent arrival in Pittsburgh. As the offseason progresses, we can expect to uncover more insights into the dynamics between Smith and the players. Warren lightheartedly mentioned that he's been studying Titans tape from Smith's tenure as their offensive coordinator, preparing for the upcoming season.
The anticipation surrounding the Steelers' 2024 season is palpable, fueled by the arrival of Smith at the helm of the offense, the influx of new quarterbacks, and the addition of playmakers on both sides of the ball. It's a season ripe with promise, marked by improvements across nearly every position group, with the exception of wide receiver.
Under Smith's guidance, Warren and Najee Harris are poised for significant upticks in their workload. With Smith's penchant for a run-heavy offense, both Warren and Harris are expected to shoulder a substantial increase in carries, setting the stage for potentially monumental seasons in 2024. As the Steelers embark on this new era under Smith's leadership, there's a sense of optimism that permeates the entire organization, with fans eagerly awaiting the unfolding of what promises to be an electrifying season.
Steelers' Offense Was Laughable Under Matt Canada
Under Canada's leadership, the offense floundered, consistently ranking near the bottom of the league in comparison to other teams. Predictable playcalling and struggles to sustain drives plagued the Steelers, leaving fans frustrated. However, with the arrival of Smith, optimism abounds among Steelers faithful. There's a renewed sense of hope for a return to smash-mouth, ground-and-pound football, a style that emphasizes physicality and dominance in the running game.
With Russell Wilson in town, the Steelers' offense gains legitimacy and the potential to stress defenses with dynamic quarterback play. The prospect of longer, sustained drives and a more diverse offensive attack has fans buzzing with excitement for the upcoming season. Expectations are sky-high as the Steelers aim to break their playoff drought and assert themselves as contenders once again. The stage is set for a thrilling 2024 campaign, and all eyes will be on Pittsburgh to see if they can live up to the lofty expectations.
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