Steelers OC Arthur Smith downplays preseason struggles for offense, addresses QB competition

Smith is staying calm, and is apparently asking his players to do the same

By Bryan DeArdo Aug 20, 2024 at 2:14 pm ET• 2 min read

Aaron Rodgers created headlines back in 2014 when he famously told Packers fans to relax after Green Bay's slow start to the season. A decade later, Arthur Smith is apparently telling his players the same thing after the Steelers offense's lackluster first two preseason games. 

Pittsburgh's new offensive coordinator is not overlooking the poor offensive line play, pre-snap penalties and a lack of execution on possession downs that plagued his unit in exhibition losses to Houston and Buffalo. He's just keeping things in their proper perspective. 

"Preseason can distort reality, good or bad," Smith said. "We've all seen it. That's not making excuses. ... That's not our standard. That's not acceptable, but at the same time, would rather go through that now than have that happen Week 1. ... We've got to get out of our own way." 

Smith alluded to 2019 when, as the Titans offensive coordinator, he watched as his offense scored 43 points in Week 1 after the unit -- in his opinion -- did not have a sharp preseason. The Titans went on to finish 10th in the NFL in scoring that season largely behind the running of Derrick Henry, who that year won the first of consecutive rushing titles. 

Pittsburgh fans have recent experience regarding preseason results. Last preseason, with then-starting quarterback Kenny Pickett leading the way, Pittsburgh's starting offense scored touchdowns on each of its five possessions. The unit struggled mightily in the regular season, however, thus leading to the in-season firing of offensive coordinator Matt Canada and the Steelers brass deciding to completely revamp its quarterback room this past offseason.