Steelers' Arthur Smith Hints That The Offense Will Likely Continue To Play Conservatively

The Pittsburgh Steelers haven't had an effective passing game since the end of Ben Roethlisberger's playing days, but things certainly seem to be moving back in the right direction. Justin Fields, who's 15th in the NFL in passer rating, is playing the best football of his career during his first six games as a Steeler. Whether Pittsburgh decides to make a switch to Russell Wilson permanently or not, the fan base wants to see more aggression from the offense considering the improvements they've made since 2023 and beyond.

Though the offense's numbers have gone up in 2024, the unit under Mike Tomlin and Arthur Smith still attacks extremely softly. Despite their 4-2 record, Fields has only thrown for over 200 passing yards twice to this point. One of those performances came in the loss to the Indianapolis Colts where they were playing catch-up all game thanks to an early 17-0 deficit. 

The clearest issue on offense for Pittsburgh is their inability to start fast and score points early in the game. As the Steelers are averaging over 20 points per game for the first time in years, just over seven points of that come in the first half. Many members of Steeler Nation understand Tomlin's philosophy of winning, which is allowing the defense to keep the game close early on and protecting the ball on offense. In both of their two losses to the Colts and Dallas Cowboys, Tomlin and the Steelers only managed one field goal before halftime. 

With the Steelers having a much improved quarterback room, fans are ready for some more firepower on offense, making them a legitimate threat in the AFC. 

Smith explained to reporters via the Steelers’ media site why they've been playing small-ball. 

“You have big-picture strategies,” said Smith on Thursday. “You're going to sacrifice certain things. You are playing a couple of situational games too, and some people call it too conservative. Whatever, but it worked for us."

The offensive coordinator then gave an example of why they would be conservative, like putting a game away instead of scoring once more. 

"We're not going to put the defense out there. I don't think that's smart. Great if your points per game goes up, but that's dumb football."

The coaching staff seems pretty content with the way they've been getting wins. However, their sudden losses will continue if they don't attempt to attack the scoreboard earlier in games. 

It's entirely possible that the team is waiting for Wilson to enter the lineup before expanding the playbook. Though Fields has played well so far, he's made some questionable and risky throws at times. Regardless of who the quarterback is going to be over the course of the next few weeks, the offense needs to get more aggressive and have a sense of urgency. 

Steelers’ Offense Needs Help At WR In Order To Get Faster Starts

Pittsburgh never replaced Diontae Johnson after trading him at the beginning of the 2024 offseason, and it created a serious problem for the offense. Leading the offense in receptions is none other than George Pickens with 26 and Pat Freiermuth with 22, but behind them is disappointing — yet not surprising. Pittsburgh's wide receivers create some of the lowest separation rates in the NFL and it has left the offense limited. 

The Steelers' quarterbacks need another addition in the receiving room, and it's expected that they make a move before the trade deadline after Week 9. Another valuable receiver will at least draw some attention off of Pickens, because he hasn't been able to get going as much as he wanted either. Pittsburgh needs a true number two behind number 14 as soon as possible.

Do you think the offense will continue to play the way they have? Or will the offense start to play more aggressive moving forward? Let us know in the comments below. 

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