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Steelers Players Are Absolutely Falling In Love With Arthur Smith’s Offense: 'It Is Unreal'
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Steelers' offense during the 2023 season was among the league's worst. It struggled so much that the Steelers made the historic and unorthodox decision to fire their offensive coordinator, Matt Canada, midseason. Following his departure, Eddie Faulkner and Mike Sullivan took over as co-offensive coordinators, leading to noticeable improvements.

After the season, the Steelers hired former Atlanta Falcons Head Coach Arthur Smith as their new offensive coordinator. While many were wary of this choice due to Smith's struggles with the Falcons, his prior success with the Tennessee Titans made a strong case for his abilities.

Smith's offense with the Titans was highly successful, featuring career years for running back Derrick Henry and a resurgence for quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Under Smith's guidance, the Titans reached the AFC Championship Game in 2019. Tannehill threw for 55 touchdowns over the two seasons Smith was the offensive coordinator, and Henry emerged as the best running back in the NFL. Steelers fans are getting on board with Smith, and Steelers insider Mark Kaboly reports that the players are enthusiastic about the offense Smith is creating in Pittsburgh.

While any improvement might seem significant compared to the Steelers' recent offensive struggles, Smith brings a proven track record of success as an offensive coordinator. Additionally, having a former head coach like Smith working alongside a legend like Mike Tomlin is a huge plus. With Tomlin and Smith at the helm, the Steelers are poised to be in much better shape for the 2024 season.

While Smith may have struggled as a head coach, the role of an offensive coordinator is entirely different. It's unfair to judge his potential based on his head coaching tenure, which is why the Steelers decided to bring him in. Smith is eager to prove that he remains a respected and feared offensive mastermind in the league, and he will have the opportunity to do so in Pittsburgh in 2024.

Two players particularly excited to work with Smith are running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. Both are coming off incredible seasons despite playing behind an average offensive line and dealing with poor play-calling. With Smith at the helm, their situation is set to improve significantly. Harris and Warren are both poised for breakout seasons in 2024, benefitting from Smith's expertise and the improved offensive strategy.

While any improvement might seem significant compared to the Steelers' recent offensive struggles, Smith brings a proven track record of success. His previous tenure as the offensive coordinator for the Titans saw career highs for players like Henry and Tannehill. Having a former head coach with such a successful background working alongside Tomlin is a tremendous asset. Together, Tomlin and Smith are expected to guide the Steelers to a much stronger performance in the 2024 season.

Steelers' Arthur Smith Will Help Russell Wilson Thrive In 2024

Smith operated a play-action offense that heavily featured the run game—exactly the type of system in which the Steelers' new quarterback, Russell Wilson, thrived during his time with the Seattle Seahawks. With Smith's proven approach and Wilson's familiarity with such an offense, they are expected to significantly improve the Steelers' offensive performance in 2024.

Steelers fans have endured a lackluster and struggling offense in recent years. If Smith can revitalize the unit and even manage to score an extra touchdown per game, he will be viewed very favorably by the Pittsburgh faithful. The combination of Smith's innovative play-calling and Wilson's experience in a similar system promises to bring excitement and effectiveness back to the Steelers' offense.

This article first appeared on SteelerNation.com and was syndicated with permission.

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