Steelers Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith Gets Endorsed By An Optimistic Bill Belichick

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been under scrutiny after their gruesome offensive performances in their first two preseason games of 2024. Some fans are already reacting to the play-calling in a similar manner to when Matt Canada was running the offense. It is only the preseason, and new Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith doesn't want to give too much away that could hurt the team once the meaningful games begin. Coaches don't game plan during the preseason like they typically would for regular season contests, so Smith still has the potential to run a successful offense in Pittsburgh.

Smith is well known for his two extremely successful seasons as the offensive coordinator with the Tennessee Titans back in 2019 and 2020. He ran a top-four offense in football during the 2020 season, which led to him being a top candidate for head coaching jobs around the league. A lot is expected of him with the Steelers, and eight-time Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick joined The Pat McAfee Show on Monday and gave Smith a ton of praise.

"I think Arthur Smith is a good fit. He's a really good coach. I think he will get a lot out of this team."

Belichick was one of Pittsburgh's biggest rivals while he was serving as the head coach of the New England Patriots, as the two organizations clashed in the postseason on multiple occasions. He always has a good eye for coaching in the NFL, as he is usually in the conversation as one of the greatest coaches of all-time.

Belichick also offered some criticism and advice for the Steelers as the regular season grows closer. He emphasized the importance of figuring out the offensive line and getting the running game in rhythm. Pittsburgh's offense was carried by the running game during the 2023 season, so it is absolutely crucial that the team gets that aspect of their game firing on all cylinders.

"I think Arthur Smith is a great fit for that offense, for what Coach [Mike] Tomlin wants to do. I think they need to get the running game going. They have good backs, they need to get them started. The biggest thing for Pittsburgh is to get the running game and the offensive line going consistently."

Consistency and Pittsburgh's offensive line is a flawed relationship. There is a scenario where two rookies will be starting (as long as Troy Fautanu is able to recover from his knee injury swiftly). Broderick Jones has also been playing right tackle while taking some snaps at left tackle too. Pittsburgh needs to see their starting five on a field, at their proper positions, to even get a glimpse of what the unit could be. They are the backbone of the running game, which is relied on heavily in Smith's offense.

Steelers' Running Backs Are Set Up To Have Career Years

Pittsburgh's run game has been carried by both Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren over the last two seasons. Warren was a surprise hidden-gem that signed as an undrafted free agent in 2022, while Harris has been the model of consistency over his first three seasons. Both backs recorded over 1,000 all-purpose yards during the 2023 season, and their numbers should only go up with the investments made along the offensive line and the new offense under Smith.

Warren injured his hamstring during the Steelers' second preseason game, and he is currently questionable for the season opener. Once he returns to full health, there is no question that Pittsburgh has one of the best running back duos in the league. If the offensive line can grow together and find some consistency, both backs should have the best seasons of their career.

What do you think about Belichick's suggestions? Let us know in the comments below!

#SteelerNation