Steelers OC Arthur Smith Admits They're Trying To Unleash Justin Fields' Arm: "First Play We Were Taking A Shot"

The Pittsburgh Steelers feel like a different team this season, and much of that is because of the new faces in the quarterbacks room. With a historic start to the season for the defense, the confidence level in the Steel City is sky high. TJ Watt and the defense haven't allowed an offense to score more than 10 points through three games, allowing an emerging Justin Fields to get comfortable with the offense. The offense under Arthur Smith needs some more firepower, and that would come with more deep balls thrown downfield to George Pickens.

The Steelers, who are 3-0 and on everyone's radar, have another tough task ahead of them in Week 4. The Indianapolis Colts got their first victory of the season last week after dropping the first two games. Pittsburgh will be back on the road after their home opener, preparing for an extremely confident Colts defense. The Indianapolis defense better be prepared for Fields, who is looking to build on his last performance. Against a Los Angeles Chargers defense that is top-notch, Fields both threw and ran for a touchdown, also throwing for a season high 245 yards.

The Steelers won the coin toss in their Week 3 victory against the Chargers, but decided to defer the ball. The defense, to no surprise, forced the Chargers to a quick three and out. As Fields and the offense took the field for their opening possession, Smith was looking to take a shot with their young quarterback. Unfortunately, Fields was quickly under pressure and was forced to take off for a short gain. 

During a press conference, the Steelers' play-caller was asked about their lack of deep shots, but success on third downs, which they apparently are ranked seventh in. Reporters asked Smith if moving forward they would like to convert on chunk plays ahead of third down, which will provide some relief for Fields and the offense. 

"We certainly try. You know, sometimes those numbers can be misleading," Smith explained. "Sometimes when you're calling, trying to take a shot, like the first play of the game we were trying to take a shot, and Justin had to scramble. So there's times where we have pushed the ball downfield, now it hasn't come to life. So we have done that, I mean the first play of the game was a shot, he just ended up scrambling."

Fields and the offense seem to be improving week by week, which is what's necessary in the early portions of the season. After throwing for under 200 yards in the first two road games, there were some concerns if the Steelers and Smith fully trusted Fields throwing the ball. Smith's words confirm their confidence in their new quarterback, who is still fighting to take the starting gig from Russell Wilson. If Fields starts to convert more deep balls to Pickens and the rest, this offense will be Fields' in no time. 

Fields will be up against another tall task this week playing in a tough environment. Although, the Colts are suffering through some major and concerning injuries on the defense, which gives Fields another opportunity to show out for Steeler Nation.

Steelers' Defensive Showdown Likely To Continue Against The Colts

Watt and the defense are preparing to terrorize Colts QB Anthony Richardson, who is one of the league's most turnover worthy quarterbacks. Richardson's deep ball and mobility will have the Steelers' attention though, along with star running back Jonathan Taylor. Stopping Taylor and the run will be Pittsburgh's number one priority in what will be another physical, smash-mouth ball game. 

The defense impressively held Chargers running back JK Dobbins to under 50 yards last week, and he was the league's top rusher after two games. It won't be easy containing Taylor, but if there's any defense out there that can do it, it's Pittsburgh. The Steelers are looking to improve to 4-0 with a nice AFC North lead, but will it come with more deep shots from Smith and Fields? Let us know your thoughts below.

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