It's time to have a conversation about Arthur Smith

He's an upgrade over Matt Canada but some of his decisions are headscratchers, we seem to start every game in heavy sets predictably running the ball on first and second down. Then he tries to rotate too many guys way too much of Conner Heyward and Pruitt sometimes Patterson, feed your better players on offense Harris, Warren, Muth, Pickens, and maybe Austin. I hear about if from the local media all the time how come Muth isn't a bigger part of the offense, they have no real #2 WR that's why Muth should be getting 6-8 receptions a game. They gave him that new contract might as well use him more 3 catches a game isn't good enough.

 

Thats my biggest issue with Smith. His use of personal. He finally used Warren more than Harris which I was happy about, but Heyward, Pruitt and Patterson should not be used as much as they are. Problem is we don’t really have much depth on offense so who are you going to use in place of those guys? The biggest issues are we are still woefully lacking at WR and our offensive line has not progressed the way we all wanted it too. Broderick Jones is an issue if he doesn’t develop because it was a wasted pick and now we might have to go get another Tackle in the draft or free agency. I also don’t like that we don’t go for a high percentage short pass on 4th and 2 at the end of the game but we throw it deep. Its the second time we have done that this year. I get it the teams are covering underneath but we should have somebody that can get open in short area for two yards. Its a lack of faith in your players.

 

The problem with Muth is he is a terrible, terrible blocker.

Last year I probably saw the worst block in the NFL, when it looks like Muth just sat down and tried to block someone from his ass.

I don't know if Muth is good enough to be a #2 outside WR, but he sure does block like a WR.

 

Oh what a change of attitude. I started a thread like this and was chastised for it. Yes I agree 100 % with you but is all up to that other in the sunglasses when it’s raining to tell what you are saying. That is a real issue with the decision making from the front office to the coaching. It takes forever and in most cases the only decision they make is is due nothing as we see with or 17-18 year wonder boy.

 

Arthur Smith has definitely been more creative than the last two nimrods we had. But if you think about it the last three offensive coordinators we’ve had we keep seeing some of the same issues popping up. Gotta believe some of this falls on Tomlin. He has to be pulling the strings on some of this stuff. We’ve thrown to the middle of the field more this year than we have in the past five, but still not near as much as we should. The tight ends need to be more involved down the middle of the field.

 

“… block like a WR.” A certain WR wants to chime in

https://images.app.goo.gl/WeXPihhUJBeV6cco9

 

The defenses has some say in this.

 

They could use Washington more in the passing game he's on the field for the majority game.

 

The local media says from watching the All-22 that Muth is open often he's just not getting the targets.

 

Nobody is saying Muth should line up to play outside WR, he should be treated as a #2 WR in regards of how many targets a game he gets.

 

He is a mismatch, Steelers coaching staff
really need to Develope this man/ child. And Darnell needs to want
to be great.

 

Agree, but it’s been avoided way to much to be that simple.

 

Hines Ward for example

 

Their is no doubt that a falling dead leaf has more talent then Matt Canada.

My concern was how lightning fast they hired Arthur Smith. Very conservative in his play calling. I wanted a more innovative mind.

So here we are. Another Tomlin hire already being complained about...

 

But who is the root of all this conservative mentality……

 

I mean...


Being 5'11 as a QB isnt ideal for seeing over the middle of the Field. For that matter, that was the biggest issue between him and Sean Payton; Russells inability to throw it over the MOF. He has done better this season than at any point in his career but there is clear limitations with him.


Getting Russ on the move is what makes Russ cook. Keeping him in the pocket and asking him tp throw towards or even over the MOF isnt something Russ has ever been. Justin Fields has been historically better than Russ but Fields is too inconsistent to do so.



Play calling is also a problem... but I dont see it to be the biggest one regarding Pat Freiermuth. Now, single toss Running Plays?! That nonsense has gotta go!!!

 

Back to original question, not really impressed with play calling.

 

AS while certainly an upgrade over MC is still very vanilla and unimaginative. Would be awesome to get a guy like Ben Johnson here although I know they don’t grow on trees.

 

Has Smith ever been a pass first OC in his previous stops?

 

Would be great but he is Head Coach material.

 

Just because you are awesome at offensive play calling doesn’t mean you will be a good HC. We have seen it a bunch. However I agree because of the money grab he would likely go that route.

 

Warren not enough touches
Harris too many touches
Muth & Washington not enough touches
Pruit & Patterson & Heyward too many plays and touches
Too many rushes on 1st and 2nd down, too conservative play calling

 

I have been having a 'discussion' about him all year.

Mini Me Mike Tomlin is what he is. NOTHING WILL CHANGE until the HC and ROONEY changes, but you have heard that for YEARS, from MANY here.

an upgrade is all Smith is. He is stereotypical and conventional. Boring, in other words. and the OLINE stepped BACKWARDS this year - the running game sucks

We are stuck.

stuck on offense and defense.