The difference between a Matt Canada-led offense and an Arthur Smith-led one couldn’t be more night and day. It’s not as if the Pittsburgh Steelers are the NFL’s most potent offense putting up 30 points each week, though they’ve been doing that more frequently lately. Just merely being a disciplined and coherent group with a plan and identity has gone a long way toward making the Steelers’ offense competent with the aim of becoming something even better. RBs coach Eddie Faulkner credited Smith for creating a faster-starting run game and overall better offensive production.
“Arthur Smith’s scheme and what he brings to the table,” Faulkner said Wednesday via the team’s YouTube channel when asked why the Steelers’ running game is off to a faster start. “Obviously already before he walked through the door, we knew what we was getting and it’s real. Great coach, great detail, loves to run the ball.”
Smith has put his true stamp on the offense. A run-heavy unit that ranks second in rushing attempts and 31st in pass attempts per game (a 6-2 record also helps those numbers, running instead of throwing late). Multiple tight end sets. Distributing the ball to everyone.
In 2022 and 2023, it took until November for the running game to get going. This year, it’s gained earlier traction. The Steelers have still hit their speed bumps thanks to a beat-up offensive line but have found their groove the last three weeks, rushing for over 140 yards in each game.
To put that in perspective, here are the rushing attempts, yards, average, and touchdowns the Steelers’ offense recorded through the first eight games of the 2022-2024 seasons.
Steelers’ Rushing Production, First Eight Games (2022-2024)
2022: 190 attempts, 759 yards (4.0 YPC) 4 TDs
2023: 194 attempts, 724 yards (3.7 YPC) 4 TDs
2024: 266 attempts, 1,105 yards (4.2 YPC) 8 TDs
In fairness, the Steelers have benefitted this season from QB Justin Fields’ mobility. But even in Russell Wilson’s two starts, the running game has been humming (316 yards, 4.7 YPC) despite starting fourth-string center Ryan McCollum and all the other changes the offensive line has undergone.
Faulkner didn’t put sole run-game credit on Smith, shouting out o-line coaches Pat Meyer and Isaac Williams along with TE coach Alfredo Roberts. But the progress comes from the top down and Smith is heading the most impressive-looking Steelers offense in years.
Pittsburgh ranks 15th in scoring offense this season at 23.4 points per game. For some teams, that wouldn’t raise an eyebrow. For the Steelers, it’s worthy of a celebration. Since 2021, the team has oscillated between 17 and 18 points per game and breaking the 30-point or 400-yard barrier was nearly impossible. Now, the Steelers’ offense is capable of putting up points on the board to win by comfortable margins. Under QB Russell Wilson, the offense is reaching new heights and showing capability of winning a postseason game.
“I gotta give the credit to Arthur,” Faulkner said. “He’s done a great job coming in, implementing his system, getting the guys to believe like they’re bought in. They believe and trust in the things he’s saying.”
That carries over to the coaching staff, too. Reports and rumors suggested Canada was closed off and didn’t take input from other coaches. For Smith, he’s fostering an environment where all ideas are welcome.
“Very relatable kind of guy,” Faulkner said. “I think the coaches feel that tough, blue-collar kind of mentality.. Has a great atmosphere that he provides for both the coaches and players. Really good coach doing an awesome job.”
Despite being the literal son of a billionaire, his father owning FedEx, Arthur Smith has stayed humble and climbed the coaching ladder. From graduate assistant at North Carolina to quality control NFL coach, he moved up the ranks to become a head coach in 2021. After being fired in Atlanta, he’s landed on his feet in Pittsburgh. And is pushing this offense onward and upward.
