Steelers' Russell Wilson Doesn't Have "Full Control Over The Line Of Scrimmage" Thanks To Arthur Smith

The Pittsburgh Steelers invested heavily in their offensive line over the past few seasons. They used two first-round draft picks on offensive tackles, Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu. In 2024, they used their second selection on center Zach Frazier and their fourth on guard Mason McCormick. Those players, combined with some of the veterans they already had in Isaac Seumalo, James Daniels, and Dan Moore Jr., gave fans hope that Russell Wilson would have the time he needed to make plays. 

Unfortunately, they suffered multiple injuries to key players, including Fautanu and Daniels, who were out for most of the season. Several other players, including Jones, Seumalo, and Frazier, suffered injuries that kept them out of some games. They improved as the season went on, especially with Wilson under center. However, during the recent four-game losing streak, it feels as if they have regressed. 

Longtime Steelers backup quarterback Charlie Batch joined Randy Baumann and the DVE Morning Show on 102.5 WDVE. He was asked about the backslide by the line. Earlier this season, it felt like Moore was playing himself into a big contract offer for 2025, but now he is getting dominated. Batch shared that he doesn't think the problem is entirely due to a failure of the line's gameplay.    

"Yeah, there's a lot of pressure that's happening, more than what you're anticipating," said Batch. "I understand it if you're playing on the road, but when you're playing at home, you can use the snap count to your advantage. Being able to use that hard count, quick count to keep the rush off balance, and for whatever reason, that's not happening. So, I don't know if Russ is allowed to control the cadence at the line of scrimmage or does Arthur Smith say, 'Hey, go on three' in this particular case, trying to anticipate that. That's not a coordinator's feel of the game. Quarterbacks have to have that, and right now, I just don't think that Russell has full control over the line of scrimmage that he once had throughout his career."

Ben Roethlisberger has commented that the rookies are hitting a "rookie wall" where the demands of the longer NFL season are catching up to them. The injuries also play a role, as they impact them becoming cohesive. Unfortunately, those inconsistencies have overshadowed many of these young players' tremendous growth.  

The coaching staff, including Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith, must design plays considering that line's strengths and capitalize upon a quarterback who might be aging but has won a Super Bowl. Tomlin brought Wilson in because of his experience and leadership ability; it is surprising that he would inhibit those attributes or allow them to be inhibited.

If Batch is correct, it feels like a significant change from a quarterback and line who used cadence to their advantage. Wilson got the defense to jump offsides in the win over the Washington Commanders, giving the Steelers a critical first down on a fourth-and-inches. 

Steelers' Players Appeared Frustrated And Checked Out

Ray Fittipaldo from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recently reported that Steelers players are frustrated and do not believe in the current game plan. This makes sense, considering the amount of grumbling that has come out of the locker room. 

Patrick Queen complained about his teammates not doing their jobs, saying that at the end of the season, the team should be getting more cohesive, not less cohesive. DeShon Elliott shared his aggravation overseeing fellow defenders, allowing guys to be wide open. 

The Steelers' performance through Week 14 was primarily successful. They were 10-3 and were able to lock up the playoffs early. It is confusing why the team stopped doing what was working. They must bring that back if they hope to beat the Baltimore Ravens.  

Do you think that Wilson isn't allowed to control the line of scrimmage? If so why? Click to comment below. 

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