The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a historic offseason as they've pulled off moves that no fan would have expected. This Steelers squad just seems different from the past few years, and a major part of that is new offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith. It's no surprise that the team has struggled offensively lately, but making changes within the coaching staff and quarterback room are the first steps of improving. Smith's presence in Pittsburgh has already gotten the offensive players excited, and many are calling it a dream come true.
The Steelers drafted three offensive linemen within their first five picks of the 2024 NFL Draft, which should bring the final pieces together up front. Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier, and Mason McCormick are all new members of the Pittsburgh front end. The Steelers' depth chart won't be released until the conclusion of training camp, but as of right now, it looks like the starting front will consist of Frazier, Isaac Seumalo, James Daniels, Broderick Jones, and either Dan Moore Jr. or Fautanu. The lineup could look completely different, though, and even McCormick could earn some time on the field depending on how the offseason continues. One thing every o-lineman in Pittsburgh has in common is they love to run block. For that reason, Smith's arrival in Pittsburgh brought a ton of excitement.
By this point, most understand that Smith loves to run the football in his offenses. Running the ball has been something that the Steelers have tried to do in recent years, however it just hasn't been executed well. It started to pick up at the end of last season, but of course that was after the firing of Matt Canada.
When you have a running back room with both Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, it's no surprise that the o-linemen want to block for them. Smith's offense is going to run through the special running back tandem, and the line is thrilled to lead the way. Brooke Pryor revealed some recent conversations with the Steelers offensive linemen during a segment on NFL on ESPN.
"Talking with those guys, the o-linemen were telling me last week, like, 'We are excited. This is our kind of offense. This is a dream. We have more fun in a run scheme. We want to get down and dirty in the trenches and bulldoze the way for Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren to eat.'"
The Steelers are going to be a lot more successful offensively next season as long as Harris and Warren are able to produce. They seem to get better as a duo each season, and having a proven play-caller should maximize their potential in the backfield.
Another major reason why the Steelers have struggled running the ball is the blocking itself. Pittsburgh hasn't had a great blocking unit for some time now, but it surely improved last season. With the new rookies coming in, it should be enough to make the line a top unit.
Steelers' Arthur Smith Should Be A Nice Match With QB Russell Wilson
Smith's new offense should fit Russell Wilson's game well, as he looks to bounce back after a down year in 2023. Wilson thrives when he has a reliable rushing attack behind him, which opens up more passes in play-action. Wilson, who is 35, but apparently feels like he is 25, comes to Pittsburgh hoping to earn a longer contract. He was brought in on a one-year deal for the veteran minimum, so if he under performs, his stay won't be long.
With a play-caller like Smith and backs like Harris and Warren, Wilson should have a great opportunity to get his career back on the right track. An important thing to remember about Wilson's "rough" 2023 season: while he only averaged around 200 passing yards per game, he still threw for 26 touchdowns. The Steelers need points and passing touchdowns. The yards can be handed to the special duo in the backfield.
