The Pittsburgh Steelers made a shocking decision to fire Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada during the 2023 season, a rare move for a franchise known for its stability. This drastic action underscored just how much the offense struggled under Canada, who led one of the league’s least productive units. To address the team’s offensive woes, the Steelers brought in Arthur Smith as their new offensive coordinator for the 2024 season, a move aimed at revitalizing a stagnant offense.
Since his arrival, Smith has faced the daunting task of rebuilding a broken offense, but his impact has been largely positive. The Steelers have shown flashes of improvement under Smith’s guidance, with a renewed focus on physicality and precision. One player particularly benefiting from the new system is tight end Pat Freiermuth, who has embraced Smith’s fresh approach.
Freiermuth recently spoke with Steelers insider Mark Kaboly about the differences between working with Smith and Canada. He highlighted Smith's ability to tailor the offense to players’ strengths and create a more cohesive system. Freiermuth’s comments reflect a growing optimism in the locker room that the offense is finally on the right track, with Smith at the helm.
"I don’t want to take a shot at anybody here, but just being able to sit there and talk to him about the ball and to get everybody on the same page with how he sees it is special," Freiermuth said. "He’s one of the boys. He relates, maybe not to the lifestyle that we have, but more so how he relates to us. We always have the commonality of football, but he goes out of his way to know people outside of football."
Freiermuth was careful not to speak negatively about anyone, including Canada. However, his words subtly painted a picture of change. Freiermuth acknowledged that the team has fully embraced Smith's approach, noting how much they enjoy working with him and appreciate his ability to connect with players on a personal level.
Smith's work ethic has never been in question. Widely regarded as one of the hardest-working offensive coordinators in the league, he takes great pride in his relentless preparation and dedication. That commitment has earned him the respect and trust of his players, who value his leadership and vision.
Steelers' Pat Freiermuth Having An Improved 2024 Season Under Arthur Smith
One of Smith's trademarks is involving tight ends more prominently in the offense, making Freiermuth’s role particularly exciting. Many anticipated that 2024 would be a breakout season for Freiermuth, as Smith’s system is designed to maximize his skill set and turn him into a focal point of the Steelers’ offensive attack.
Through 12 games, Freiermuth has recorded 41 catches for 422 receiving yards and four touchdowns, surpassing his entire stat line from the 2023 season. While it’s worth noting that injuries limited his availability last year, his performance this season is a promising sign of progress for the Steelers’ offense.
Beyond the numbers, the energy surrounding the offense has been transformative. Players have embraced Smith’s leadership, and the camaraderie within the unit is evident. This positive atmosphere is critical as the team continues its offensive rebuild, providing a strong foundation for further growth.
Although there is still work to be done, the strides the Steelers have made under Smith are undeniable. From improved individual performances to a renewed sense of unity, the progress is clear—and the potential for this offense to thrive is brighter than ever.
