Arthur Smith's Impact on Steelers' Offensive Strategy
Transcript
00:00Let's begin with their offensive scheme. Now, we know Arthur Smith. He's there because he wants to run the football.
00:08That's the kind of offensive coordinator and play caller he is. He did a great job with Derrick Henry.
00:13It didn't go so well during his tenure with the Falcons as the head coach and play caller.
00:18But, you know, it starts with a run. It always has and always will under Mike Tomlin.
00:23That's what he wants and that's what they're going to get with Arthur Smith.
00:26They have two really good backs. Najee Harris looks really good, by the way. He's in pretty good shape.
00:30They've got that great one-two punch with him and Jalen Warren.
00:33And then when you really look at it, it's a problem opposite George Pickens.
00:37Van Jaffer said I'm told it's been a really good story, former Rams second-round pick.
00:41But I think if you're really deep at receiver, he's probably a number four or number three, not number two.
00:47And that's why we have the heightened interest in Brandon Ayuk.
00:51But Ayuk was still dealing with the Niners. They're still trying to get something done with him.
00:54It's not going to be easy, but getting back to the Steelers.
00:57Calvin Austin also has made some plays the last couple of days now.
01:00Sonny's practice because they played Friday night at home against the Texans.
01:05They were in shells. It was a shorter practice, about 90 minutes.
01:09But today's practice in beautiful weather in Latrobe at St. Vincent's College, right?
01:15They got they brought the pads out and they hit. OK, Scott, they're one of the few teams talking to Lions.
01:19The Lions also hit quite a bit in training camp, but the Steelers do.
01:22They're in pads a lot and showed it was very, very physical.
01:25There was about a skirmish for about a second and a half and the guys were laughing, but there was a lot of pushing.
01:30Very spirited practice. But Scott, I could tell you a quarterback.
01:34You don't need to watch long to see the difference between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields.
01:38Fields has got the great arm, great athlete. Russell's in pretty good physical shape, but it's his willingness to make tough throws.
01:46Justin Fields is more what we call a see it and throw a guy.
01:49Wilson, when he decides he's going to throw it, he throws it with anticipation and timing.
01:54And that ball came out that he had a very good practice. But listen, Scott, it's a two tight end offense.
02:00There's no question. But Darnell Washington, who I'm guessing who's six foot seven is at least 280.
02:05He looks like an offensive tackle, but he but he can run.
02:09He looks really, really good. Primus is healthy on the funny of his rookie deal.
02:13But what they have to do, Scott, is they have to add a receiver. That's the offense.
02:17They've got to do something by the start of the season. I'm told with Roman Wilson come back from his ankle injury.
02:23There's optimism that he'll start practicing with the next seven to 10 days coming off that ankle injury.
02:27But defensive Scott, excellent front seven, Peyton Wilson, the rookie linebacker.
02:33He had a minor injury that he's fine as I understand it.
02:36But bottom line is, Scott, they're going to have to look at the cornerback position.
02:40Not a very good depth. They're good with the two starters, with Joey Porter Jr. and Dante Jackson.
02:46Nickel corner, they're still trying to figure that out. And they don't have very good depth that outside corner.
02:51Those will be the concerns. But this is a good team, but still a lot of questions.
02:55Backup corner, nickel and wide receiver opposite the very talented George Pickett.