The Pittsburgh Steelers are poised to transform their offensive strategy under head coach Arthur Smith, aiming for a more balanced approach as they prepare for the upcoming season. With the addition of veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the team looks to improve upon last year’s performance, which saw them average just 4.1 yards per carry, ranking tied for 26th in the league.
Under Smith’s scheme last season, the Steelers ranked fourth in the league for the most rushing attempts. With the team’s issues finding space in the run game, it became a worry whether this team could stay balanced on that end of the offense. In a recent interview with Matt DeBritz on the DMV Disciples podcast, Smith sounded very optimistic about tailoring his style to this year’s roster.
“Our job, especially as a coach, is to play to the strengths of your players,” Smith stated, emphasizing the need for flexibility in his offensive philosophy. As Smith attempts to fit Rodgers into the system, he dismissed worries about combining two offensive philosophies.
Pass-heavy offense Historically, Rodgers hasn’t had much to do with a run-heavy attack. From 2008 to 2022, the Green Bay Packers, under various coaching staff, executed the fourth-fewest run plays in the league. During his last season with the Jets, Rodgers attempted the second-most passes, reflecting a trend that has characterized his career. With this new chapter starting, it is clear that both Smith and Rodgers are determined to work together.
You would like to be more equitable,” Smith said, adding that he understands the difficulty that accompanies making change. He went on to highlight that making adaptations that suit personnel is the key to success. “We have our foundation things that don’t change, but whether you lean into certain schemes, year after year, you adapt again to the personnel you’ve got.”
With summer on the horizon, the transition of leadership will bring Smith and Rodgers together for plenty of close collaboration to make a smooth transition. Rodgers made very clear his intent to learn the offense and provide a different perspective. “I’m going to learn the offense, and Arthur and I are going to talk a bunch this summer. If there’s things that I like that I’d like to see in the offense, Arthur, I’m sure, is going to put it in,” he said.
A key element of their collaboration will be determining just how much latitude Rodgers will get at the line of scrimmage. Part of this is giving him more authority on play calls, too. Smith is set to make those crucial decisions about allowing Rodgers greater freedom in adjusting plays based on real-time game dynamics.
Rodgers possess all the requisite skills to be calling audibles in Smith’s offense. The most important thing though, is that the coach is adamantly opposed to any narrative that says otherwise. He told me that each QB and offensive system brings its own challenges and strengths. “Every quarterback is different. Every offensive scheme is different,” Smith remarked, underscoring the need for adaptability.
The Steelers enter this season with high expectations as they seek to improve their offensive output. In New York, Aaron Rodgers is at the forefront of a different configuration. This generates excitement about their potential having a more versatile and diversified offensive attack.
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