Growing Pains Are the Steelers’ Toughest Week 1 Foe
Credit: Barry Reeger-USA TODAY Sports
Something about a new pair of shoes can change your day. I don’t care much for fashion, but when I do indulge in a new pair of sneakers or boots, it literally gives me a pep in my step. That high will last for at least a day or two, and some well-timed compliments can even extend that feeling. But the New Shoe Rush ultimately fades, and from there, normal life resumes. Maybe I have fly kicks, but I am who I am.
The Pittsburgh Steelers recently went though the NFL equivalent of new shoe energy after their flashy offseason. Yet, despite the changes, they are and will continue to be who they’ve been: A Mike Tomlin-coached football team.
The Steelers’ offseason was full of headlines and excitement. The addition of an experienced, creative, and impressive offensive coordinator caused a big stir in the NFL community – especially coming off the heels of releasing the disastrous Matt Canada. The marriage between Arthur Smith and Russell Wilson seemed perfect after the Hall of Fame-caliber quarterback signed on with the Black and Gold for a fraction of reasonable cost. A defensive game changer walked through the door from Baltimore while the draft brought a lot of buzz on offense, as they addressed needs on the offensive line and at wide receiver.
Pundits couldn’t help themselves from stopping the Steelers on the street to praise their new look. But as time went on, Pittsburgh’s flashiness diminished. The same way a few days of walking can scuff up a shiny white pair of sneakers, injuries dampened the excitement surrounding the Steelers’ offense. Rookie Troy Fautanu sprained his MCL early in camp, and rookie Roman Wilson soon joined him with a bum ankle. Meanwhile, Russell Wilson’s delayed start in Latrobe fueled the fire of a quarterback battle with Justin Fields.
But hey, it might not look as good as it did coming out of the box, but the Steelers have an exciting new offense. They retained old weapons in George Pickens, Pat Freiermuth, Najee Harris, and Jaylen Warren while adding to their roster. But maybe we shouldn’t expect the Steelers to quite nail the look in Week 1.
Arthur Smith has a legendary history with the running game. He has coached highly effective backs and utilized schemes and personnel to pave the way for the likes of Bijan Robinson and Derrick Henry. While his intellect played a large factor in those backs’ success, so did his offensive lines. A little over a month ago, many believed Smith would have a formidable line at his disposal once again.
Instead, injuries to Fautanu and now Isaac Seumalo will likely hold the entire team back, and we should also mention Broderick Jones appearing to have a lingering elbow issue. This could cause problems early in the season. The running backs will have to absorb a lot more contact at the line of scrimmage, and if they are unable to get their motors going, the play-action will be far less of a concern for the Atlanta Falcons defense.
If that plays out, the Steelers’ weaknesses will be on full display in Week 1. The Pittsburgh offense is not built for rhythm passing. Wilson’s strengths are his deep ball and throwing out of play action. Furthermore, Wilson’s receiver group is still — at least for the moment — one-dimensional. Pickens will garner attention from corners and safeties all game, and the Falcons will force Wilson to use the middle of the field to find the likes of Van Jefferson and Scotty Miller.
It’s not all doom and gloom, however. The Steelers can win the game. As I said, this is still a Mike Tomlin-coached team. It does, however, mean that their play will resemble last season’s squad more closely than many fans would have hoped. Tomlin will have to manufacture wins as he did when Canada and Kenny Pickett were helming the offense. Above all else, Tomlin will not put Wilson in a position to turn the ball over, which means the defense could easily play far too many snaps.
Expect conservative play-calling and decision-making from the Pittsburgh sideline for most of the game. They will concede very little, but they will also produce their share of stalled drives as the game goes on. When push comes to shove, Tomlin and Smith will work to edge out the Falcons in a low-scoring and boring affair.
Fortunately, this should be the start of a short month of growing pains. As key players regain their health and the offense has more time to gel, they should be able to pull their flashy offseason additions together into a cohesive outfit at the right time. Until then, be patient, and know that there are better days ahead.
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