The Pittsburgh Steelers want to put the offensive struggle of 2023 behind them, and one key indicator that they were serious was bringing in the experienced Arthur Smith. Throughout Pittsburgh's 2024 Organized Team Activities (OTAs), a consistent feeling from the players within the locker room is how much better Smith's offense is than what had existed before. It isn't just about the plays on the field, as one of the big differences is how comfortable everyone is feeling with the offensive approach.
With all the new additions to the roster, the Steelers are focused on ensuring the offense gels as a cohesive unit ahead of their 2024 campaign. After Matt Canada's ineffective offense, the Pittsburgh players actually feel included in the process, and that is making all the difference. After the Steelers' fifth day of 2024 OTAs, Jaylen Warren spoke to the media and reiterated the positive impact that Smith's offense has already had on the squad.
"I would just say the intensity. Like, everybody's bought into, like, one thing. There's no space wondering how we're trying to, you know, run our offense. 'Cause everybody's on the same page. I think that you can tell, like, a huge difference with that."
Warren represents one half of Pittsburgh's formidable rushing attack that was a catalyst for their late-season success in 2023. In a year that was supposed to be Kenny Pickett's leap forward with a preseason that was near-perfect, the reality ended up being a complete offensive implosion.
Canada's offense was constantly rescued by Pittsburgh's all-star defense, despite a slew of injuries that ravaged the Steelers' interior linebackers' group. Under Smith, who has legitimate experience running an NFL offense, the energy has changed, and the players on the roster are responding. Considering the heavy investment that the team has made in their offensive line in 2023 and 2024, Warren and Najee Harris will be two crucial parts of Smith's strategy.
Pittsburgh somehow turned a sinking 2023 season into a Wild Card game thanks to Canada's firing and the offense actually coming together as a group. With a full offseason to find their footing, the Steelers have every reason to feel confident that the days of Canada are behind them, and the Smith era is already looking much brighter.
Steelers Ready To Ride The Running Game
Warren's positive take on the Steelers' offense during the early days of their OTAs isn't just good news for Pittsburgh; it's necessary to achieve the kind of success the franchise is aiming for. The two-headed rushing attack that the Steelers have will finally have the support and competent strategy they need to break out. After Harris saw his fifth-year option declined in a surprising move by the organization, his desire to prove what he is worth has increased exponentially. Smith already knows how to utilize a big back, so Harris is set up well already.
Between Harris and Warren, the Pittsburgh running backs are eager to prove that they are capable of carrying an NFL offense on their backs. With blockers like Troy Fautanu, Broderick Jones, Zach Frazier, and Isaac Seumalo clearing the way, there is good reason for confidence amongst the ranks. Mike Tomlin got his 2023 squad to the postseason despite detours and challenges around every single corner, so with an actual offensive coordinator leading the way, the Steelers might finally get back to competing for championships again.
