Steelers' Arthur Smith Clarifies Huge Passing Issue Fans Have With Week 1 Victory

The Pittsburgh Steelers started the 2024 season on the right foot with a victory over the Atlanta Falcons, and they currently sit alone atop the AFC North after the three other teams opened their seasons with losses. A big reason the Steelers were able to escape Atlanta with a win was because they won the turnover battle. Pittsburgh forced three turnovers, and took care of the ball themselves. This is the winning formula that Head Coach Mike Tomlin preaches, and quarterback Justin Fields did a good job of executing.

Fields played well enough to secure the victory, but by no means did he light up the box score. The offense seemed to be operating on a limited basis, especially after the late-week switch from Russell Wilson to Fields. Fields made the most of it, but still saw a fair amount of criticism from the fan base. The main criticism came from Fields' passing chart, which showed that he avoided the middle of the field when throwing the ball.

The fourth-year quarterback still had an efficient day. He completed 17 of his 23 passes and was able to use his legs to extend possessions for Pittsburgh. He threw for 156 yards while adding 57 yards on the ground. Fields hasn't spoken about avoiding the middle of the field, but Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith took blame for it.

Jessie Bates is Atlanta's premiere safety. He was named an All-Pro and a Pro Bowler at the end of the 2023 season while playing under Smith as his head coach. He had six interceptions and three forced fumbles in 2023, and Smith had a clear goal of keeping him away from the football in order to win the game. 

TJ Watt was able to effective the game on defense for Pittsburgh. He managed to sack Kirk Cousins as time expired, and he also had two strip sacks earlier in the game that were taken off of the board thanks to penalties. One penalty was by a cornerback, while the other was an offsides called on Watt. The official later approached Watt and admitted he made a mistake on the call, which could have seriously effected the game had the outcome been different.

Watt's impact can't be measured from the stat sheet. He lived in Atlanta's backfield, and it was obvious they were trying to keep him out of the game. They ran the ball away from him on nearly every attempt, but he still found ways to make plays.

Steelers May Open Up The Offense For Fields In Week 2

Although nothing has been confirmed yet, it seems as though Fields will be the starter once again in Week 2 against the Denver Broncos. Wilson has been a limited participant in practice, and it certainly seems like Fields will get a chance to capture another victory for Pittsburgh. This time around, the Steelers are able to prepare throughout the entire week knowing that Fields will be the starting quarterback, which will only benefit the offense.

There will be a more concise and effective game plan for Fields this time around, now that Smith doesn't have to change anything days before kickoff. Expect to see Fields using his legs to Pittsburgh's advantage, and he will certainly use the middle of the field this time around. Denver has an All-Pro corner on the outside in Pat Surtain II, and Fields will need to know where he is at all times.

What do you think about Smith limiting Fields in Week 1? Let us know in the comments below!

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