Steelers' Russell Wilson Is Confident Arthur Smith Has Everybody "On The Same Page" Prior To 2024 Regular Season

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been searching for the key to offensive success over the past few seasons. Despite several additions in recent years, especially with the investments at the quarterback position, the offense has struggled to score and has been forced to rely on dominant defensive play. However, headed into training camp 2024, there is optimism that the Steelers will be able to turn things around and assert their dominance on the offensive side of the ball.

Beyond revamping the quarterback room with the additions of both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, the Steelers have invested in their offensive skill positions and reworked the entire offensive line in an effort to take the pressure off the quarterback position. Questions still remain at wide receiver, but that will ultimately fall upon the shoulders of new offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith, to compensate for.

There has been plenty of praise given to Smith by his players this offseason, who returns to his role as an NFL offensive coordinator after a rough stint with the Atlanta Falcons as head coach. Smith will be given the tough task of turning the Steelers' offense into a well oiled machine like he did when he guided the Tennessee Titans to the top of the NFL in 2019 and 2020. The praise surrounding Smith has only continued headed into camp, made apparent during Wilson's media scrum on reporting day. 

"It's always about trying to understand the offense in a full capacity. Not just me, but everybody. We are all included here and everybody having a full understanding of what we are trying to accomplish, we definitely have that. I think Coach Arthur Smith has done a great job of  making sure that everybody is on the same page from coaches to players and everything else. Now being away for a little bit, all of us and coming back to it, we have a head start we feel like."

Though it may seem simple, being on the same page has not been as easy as it seems for the Steelers. Both Smith and Wilson enter a season in which being united will be key for the team to succeed. 

After tough times on prior stops, the duo will be forced to rely on each other to rejuvenate their reputations. By working united, the Black and Gold may finally have the key to unlock the Achilles heel that has kept them from returning to the Super Bowl. 

Smith Can Be The Best Addition By The Steelers This Offseason

After moving on from Matt Canada halfway through 2023, the Steelers offense felt that they had a breath of life which guided them to a postseason appearance. The goal entering into 2024 was to establish an offensive identity, and reinvent the lone phase of the game that has struggled for some time. Bringing in the right players are a part of this shift, but having the right leader in place is equally just as important. 

Apart from changing the quarterback room, Smith was arguably the best addition of the offseason by General Manager Omar Khan. Under Canada, the Steelers were at or near the bottom of most major offensive categories, including points per game (28th), yards per play (30th), and first down percentage (30th). In contrast, as coordinator of the Titans, Smith and the offense led the league in red zone percentage at 75.2%, and was fifth in both points per game and total offense. If Smith can bring the consistency that Canada lacked, it was already a slam dunk signing by the Steelers.  

The path for success in a loaded AFC will not be easy for the Steelers, who hold the toughest schedule in the NFL, but can be a manageable path if the team can return to its roots. Smith enjoys relying on the run and play-action pass, both of which Wilson excelled at during his time in Seattle. Training camp will be important to view as the team and its fans analyze just how quickly Smith's offense is picked up. Smith's control over the offense needs to be firm, but the ability to adapt will be critical for the Steelers to succeed.

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