NFL Insider: Steelers' Arthur Smith Had Several In Organization Unhappy About Play-Calling In Cleveland

The Pittsburgh Steelers were cruising and clicking on all cylinders heading into a Week 12 Thursday Night Football matchup against the Cleveland Browns. Unfortunately, a short week after a contest versus the Baltimore Ravens was too much to handle and it led to a tough loss in snowy conditions. There was plenty to be critical of after the matchup, but the good news is that the organization is 8-3 and still controls its own destiny with December on the horizon. The defense is the team's backbone, but to make a legitimate run down the stretch, Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith and his unit must perform consistently at a high level.

A lot went wrong in Cleveland and fans weren't necessarily surprised as Head Coach Mike Tomlin entered the game without a win in his career on road AFC North Thursday Night Football contests. The Steelers had several chances to win the game, but came up short, and part of the reason was poor play-calling on third and fourth down situations.

Pittsburgh converted just seven of 16 third-down tries and was one of three on fourth down. Some of the calls were very interesting, including Justin Fields being in at quarterback on a key third down late in the game. He ended up throwing a jump ball to George Pickens, and it didn't go the Steelers' way. According to NFL insider Jason La Canfora, via Andrew Fillipponi, some inside the franchise's building aren't particularly happy with Smith.

It's hard for anyone in the Steel City to complain when Matt Canada was running the offensive show for nearly three seasons. The fan base, however, has grown tired of an underperforming offense. The primes of several top defenders have been wasted due to incompetence on the other side of the ball, which is why patience is wearing thin, even if Smith has done a better job overall. It appears some individuals who are a part of the organization are fed up as well.

There are still six games remaining in the regular season for the Steelers to prove that a consistent offense can be put onto the field, but it will not come easy. There are four divisional games left, as well as contests against top defenses that come from the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs. Smith has been much better than Canada, but it appears as if some want him to be better.

After any game, whether a team wins or loses, certain things can be picked apart. Unfortunately for Smith, there were several head-scratching play-calls against the Browns, which does warrant some criticism. While his job is nowhere close to being in jeopardy, frustration within the franchise's own walls presents an interesting new development, assuming La Canfora has a legitimate source.

Time will tell if the offense can find a consistent approach in the final six regular season games, but it's very important to do so if the team wants to make a deep postseason run. The pieces are in place to have success, but the individual calling the plays needs to be just as effective as the ones running them on the field every single week.

Steelers Fans Still Thankful For Arthur Smith This Thanksgiving

Just prior to the holidays in 2023, Pittsburgh made the decision to fire Canada. While the offense hasn't been all rainbows and butterflies, it has improved immensely. Sticking to the script will be important, but the unit should also branch out from time to time and trust Russell Wilson's arm. The news that some people part of the organization being unhappy with Smith is unsettling, but not the end of the world after one questionable game.

Did you think that Smith called a bad game against the Browns? Let us know in the comments below!

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