Pittsburgh Steelers insider Mark Kaboly reported there was friction between quarterback Russell Wilson and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith at the end of the 2024 regular season. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac offered more details on the subject on Feb. 4.
Dulac reported issues between Smith and Wilson began when the offensive coordinator wanted Wilson to stop changing plays at the line of scrimmage. Instead, Smith demanded Wilson run the play that he called.
“According to several sources, Smith did not want Wilson changing plays at the line of scrimmage, like he did in Cincinnati, and deviating from the game plan,” Dulac wrote. “Wilson’s desire to attack with the pass and throw down the field clashed with Smith’s run-first mentality, causing philosophical friction between the two.”
In the first matchup with the Bengals, the Steelers attempted 38 passes versus 26 runs. Wilson experienced his best game of the season, completing 29 of 38 passes for 414 yards with three touchdowns and one interception.
The Steelers won the game 44-38.
But in the rematch, which took place about a month later, the Steelers had 31 passes versus 23 runs. Wilson was 17-of-31 for 148 passing yards with one touchdown while the Steelers ground game averaged just 3.2 yards per carry.
Cincinnati won the matchup 19-17.
Philosophical Friction Between Russell Wilson, Arthur Smith: Report
The Steelers offense peaked in Week 13 versus the Bengals. Not only did they score a season-high 44 points, but a lot of different things were working.
Five different Steelers pass catchers had at least 43 receiving yards. George Pickens, Calvin Austin III and Pat Freiermuth all had receiving touchdowns.
