Steelers' Arthur Smith Said Falcons' Jessie Bates Texted Him To Admit He Was Caught Sleeping Against George Pickens

The Pittsburgh Steelers are starting their season with back-to-back revenge games on the road. New Offensive Coordinator, Arthur Smith, returned to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1, the team that fired him after the 2023 season. The Steelers didn't have the most dominant offensive performance, but they still managed to do enough to kick six field goals and win 18-10. They head to the Denver Broncos to face quarterback Russell Wilson's former team in Week 2. However, the wind had been taken out of those sails since it appears back up Justin Fields will get the start once again. 

During the lead-up to the Falcons game, Smith's relationship with the players and the city of Atlanta garnered much interest. A few players who spent time with Smith in Atlanta are now in Pittsburgh playing for him again: wide receivers Van Jefferson and Scotty Miller, tight end MyCole Pruitt, and hybrid receiver/running back Cordarrelle Patterson. Both Jefferson and Patterson talked before the game about how much happier and lighter Smith seems in Pittsburgh. Jefferson said he is more "relaxed" and is having "fun" now. 

Against Atlanta, Smith started out conservatively, but eventually opened the playbook up more, having Fields take a few shots down the field to wide receiver George Pickens. The third-year receiver didn't have a huge game on paper, just six receptions for 85 yards, but the Falcons' defense felt his presence -- especially on his longest catch of 40 yards. According to ESPN's Brooke Pryor's post on X, Atlanta cornerback Jessie Bates reached out to his former coach.

"Arthur Smith said Jessie Bates texted him after the game about the big play to George Pickens just before half, where Pickens got a one-on-one matchup with the CB," posted Pryor. "He said, 'You caught me sleeping right before the half.' I said, 'Yeah, lulled you to sleep, get disinterested. And we set him up on that situationally, but he's a great player, sometimes it's just very practical.'"

Smith did not use the middle of the field much during the game, and while he has been criticized for that, he admits it was to avoid giving Bates the opportunity to make a big play. Smith has great respect for Bates and his ability to be a game wrecker. Bates made 20 interceptions during the first six years of his career, but Smith's offensive plan basically rendered him impotent during Week 1. 

All eyes now turn to Denver and matchups like Pickens vs. Patrick Surtain. Fans will also be watching to see if or how Smith relaxes the leash on Fields and allows him to spread the field out a bit more. 

Steelers Have Another Area Of Improvement

There is no perfect game; there is always room for improvement, such is the case with the Steelers' offense. The defense was close, playing a solid game. Between the two interceptions that Donte Jackson and DeShon Elliott made and the constant pressure T.J. Watt put on Kirk Cousins, it was hard for the Falcons to find room to breathe. 

Head Coach Mike Tomlin said that the team has a major area of improvement as they advance: penalties. The Steelers appeared to be on the bad side of the officiating crew who seemed to throw the flag on every play. They racked up nine penalties for 60 yards, but that doesn't explain their impact. An offensive pass interference call on Pickens negated a huge 30+ yard catch. Two strip sacks on Watt were also negated, one of which led to the Falcons' lone touchdown. Watt also had a false start penalty that the referee later admitted was called in error. 

What did you think about Smith's avoidance of the middle of the field? Click to comment below. 

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