*** 2024 Pittsburgh Steelers: limping towards the playoffs (12 Viewers)

[Bri]

Parker Hesse posted a Steelers pic and Pittsburgh City stuff with no words so he's probably going to be a Steeler, maybe as a brand new low level coach.
He's a great guy, you'll love, he's all "what's best for the team."
A 3 star QB recruit, he couldn't stand sitting and switched to LB then DL in college. On the Titans, he played DL and TE til ultimately playing TE. For the Falcons, he finally won a starter spot (and wasn't just a novelty) as a blocking TE. After a couple years, year n half, he'd lose his spot but fill in at both TE spots as a backup.
Guy was pegged as a future coach in high school and totally seems it. Highly intelligent with a great way of explaining things.
I think he's about done as a player so I'd guess it's a new lowest level coach job.

 

[Bri]

The Big Book on Arthur Smith

TL;DR: He runs an offense from 2003, basically hates throwing the ball unless forced, prefers his OLers to have skills that most of Pittsburgh's current crop don't, and was compared to Mike Mularkey (favorably?) about 6 or 8 times.

They're an ok site but I'm not putting much stock into their analysis. Honestly, Alex knows about as much as any poster here. Possibly less.

That was more research than analysis imo.
He missed the pallet of bottled water story about Gibbs(Arthur brought him every bottle one by one) but maybe I just like it for the anecdotal value. Anyhow that was pretty thorough.
Remember Parcells and Meshawn? On X yesterday people were wondering if Steelers WRs were going to be benched for weak blocking. Nothing to wonder about, the answer is yes but everyone isn't Meshawn. Example- Pickens will be pulled in like July and be all grumpy and mid August he's nailing every block and enjoys the praise for a RB being freed for a TD due to his block.
It's ordinary and in no way unique to Smith, every coach insists their guys hit their blocks.

That's a lot of what I'm reading. Everyone acting like the most elementary of Smith's beliefs are unique or that Tomlin isn't the same in the most basic ways. He wants his linemen to protect the QB and his RBs to run well and OMG he does? No way!

The dust hasn't settled yet. People are still being weird.

Steelers fans will get right back to "why do we have the oldest style offense" soon enough

 

[Bri]

That same guy Alex wondering if the Steelers will basically get rid of the slot WR role. The answer is mostly yes. Titans and Falcons used the slot the least in the NFL the last few years. He's going two TE or shifting someone there hoping for a mismatch.
The Titans and Falcons have had speedy slot WRs but he doesn't much like how predictable that is and you can tell by their rare usage. He'd rather motion a TE or back there and see if he can get a favorable matchup or a better angle for a block.
And a FB...yep, he learned from Gibbs, Steelers will have one and he'll play like fifteen snaps per game in a very predictable 80s manner

 

[Bri]

Yeah I realize...sorry I'll shush, there's little to talk about and...sorry I'll shush

 

[sm8680]

I heard the main reason why Arthur got the job. Is due to Fredrick (his dad) promising to fund the salaries of the offensive coaches as well as the analytics. Plus, Rooney's were guaranteed 1 day package delivery. With this move I have to try some lame comedy for therapy.

 

[Grid71]

Warren & Najee stock way up.

Harris isn't a very good zone runner.

I was being generous to the Najee folks.

I’m a Warren shareholder.

Warren should have more success than Najee running wide zone. Great vision, mentally tough, nice burst and speed. Also a better blocker. In fantasy, I'd consider him a value target.

 

[Grid71]

Washington might also be in for a big year.

Find yourself someone who loves you as much as Smith loves his TE2.

I'm with you. He's an elite blocker from a TE perspective and will be on the field for most offensive plays. Step 1 for getting chances to catch some passes.

 

[crushedspirit]

You'll see Washington running TE jet sweeps in no time.

 

[sm8680]

You'll see Washington running TE jet sweeps in no time.

I'm truly hoping that he ends up our right tackle.

 

[Bogeys]

Blackdot

 

[steelcityman]

Washington moves about as well as George Washington. He is a blocker, thats all, and not really that good at it, got blown up by OLBs. He couldnt get looks when Muth was out in the pass game. Steelers will consider the Texas TE in the draft this year. They need a mover. Muth gone after 2024 possibly, its time to upgrade the position with a chain mover if the draft allows it.

 

[crushedspirit]

Or Arthur brings Jonnu over

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Jonnu's still signed until 2025, although I suppose he could wind up a cap casualty. Did not look into his contract status that closely.

Either way...meh. He's 28 and just had his "best" season. Pretty much all downhill from here, most likely.

 

[3C's]

Connor Heyward might also be in for a big year.

Find yourself someone who loves you as much as Smith loves his TE2.

FYP

 

[Leroy Hoard]

So what's the verdict on the effect on the RBs going forward? Harris and Warren are currently rb24 and rb25 in the fantasy pros dynasty rankings.

 

[menobrown]

So what's the verdict on the effect on the RBs going forward? Harris and Warren are currently rb24 and rb25 in the fantasy pros dynasty rankings.

Best years of their careers coming.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Arthur Smith Can 'Help Stabilize The Quarterback Position' In Pittsburgh, Former Steelers OC Says

New Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith survived three boss firings while a member of the Tennessee Titans organization. First hired by Mike Munchak in 2011, his first head coach lasted three seasons. Ken Whisenhunt kept him on the staff before his in-season firing a year...

steelersdepot.com

Expect Steelers Football.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Connor Heyward might also be in for a big year.

Find yourself someone who loves you as much as Smith loves his TE2.

FYP

As a Heyward shareholder in a TE-P league with scraps at TE, I really hope this is true.

 

[Acrobat7]

Arthur Smith Can 'Help Stabilize The Quarterback Position' In Pittsburgh, Former Steelers OC Says

New Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith survived three boss firings while a member of the Tennessee Titans organization. First hired by Mike Munchak in 2011, his first head coach lasted three seasons. Ken Whisenhunt kept him on the staff before his in-season firing a year...

steelersdepot.com

Expect Steelers Football.

What is “Steelers Football“? (I know what you’re alluding to, but the years under Ben have been pass attack heavy and the defense was often less than stellar.)

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Arthur Smith Can 'Help Stabilize The Quarterback Position' In Pittsburgh, Former Steelers OC Says

New Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith survived three boss firings while a member of the Tennessee Titans organization. First hired by Mike Munchak in 2011, his first head coach lasted three seasons. Ken Whisenhunt kept him on the staff before his in-season firing a year...

steelersdepot.com

Expect Steelers Football.

What is “Steelers Football“? (I know what you’re alluding to, but the years under Ben have been pass attack heavy and the defense was often less than stellar.)

"Cowherball", basically. 90's era "We're gonna win with pitching and defense." mentality. Wont focus on making plays primarily with the QB, instead just asking them not to eff things up/take what's given, but expecting them to have high efficiency when forced to have to be "the guy" in a particular game.

Which may wind up working just fine in the regular season if they re-invest in their OL and had a more viable QB. Come playoffs, though, it usually gets your team rolled fairly quickly in today's NFL.

So, basically expect similar results for them as the last decade or so. Theyll get their 9-10 wins, get rolled in WC round, be picking in the 20s and never have a shot at a legit franchise QB until they crater a season.

Destination will be the same, they just changed the hubcaps on the car they're driving there. IMO, of course.

 

[menobrown]

Which may wind up working just fine in the regular season if they re-invest in their OL and had a more viable QB. Come playoffs, though, it usually gets your team rolled fairly quickly in today's NFL.

Does it though? We got one team in the SB whose QB has thrown for about 260 yards a game in the playoffs, has to deal with "game manager" labels on team with a very strong defense and the leagues leading rusher. Then you got Mahomes who is obviously great but he's not throwing it around like Mahomes of old this year because of his supporting cast and the way he's being defended and he's actually throwing for less yards then Purdy in the playoffs but relying on a strong D and Pachecho. That's the formula I see needed to win in today's NFL. Strong D, running game and passing game working in a complentary fashion.

I personally strongly refute the notion so many of you seem to have that you need to go pass heavy to win in today's NFL while so many of you seemingly discount the key for a strong running game. And most of all I don't understand where any of you think we are getting the QB to be that team so many of you seem to want Best we can hope for IMO is to have Pickett or whoever is our QB be a functional game manager and make plays when he needs to. I'm not sure we have that guy, no matter who is the OC.

 

[sm8680]

Anything is better than an anemic .5 touchdown passes a game. Today's NFL is more geared to QBs and WRs. Due to the Mel Blount rule and other rules were I'm sarcastically saying that it's almost taking football to a flag football league. Back in the day WRs would get blown up going over the middle.

So in my opinion based on the changing of the rules over the years. The game has really opened up for passing yards. So as an owner as a coach why would you not take advantage of it. The league has literally devalued RBs over the years. You still need a running game to go along with a passing game to win

 

[5-ish Finkle]

I personally strongly refute the notion so many of you seem to have that you need to go pass heavy to win in today's NFL while so many of you seemingly discount the key for a strong running game.

Oh, well if you "personally strongly refute the notion" then maybe everyone is just misguided ("Your honor, I I strenuously object!").

Who's discounting it? It's valuable. It helps win games. It just doesn't get you where I want them to go by itself, especially if you don't have an elite OL (which this team does not posses).

And most of all I don't understand where any of you think we are getting the QB to be that team so many of you seem to want.

They aren't getting it anywhere until they crater for a year (or get better at scouting middle round guys..which I'm not holding my breath on) . That doesn't mean fans are obligated to feel satisfied with installing an offense that, by design, is happy with having "a game manager to not screw things up too much" as its QB.

The Steelers had a golden opportunity to take advantage of in 2021/2022 with regard to their QB situation and they peckered it up by focusing on "one last run for Ben" in one season followed by vapor locking on a first round quarterback the following.

 

[crushedspirit]

Steeler current philosophy depends on mistake-free football behind 3 yards and a cloud of dust. Problem with that thinking is when the team trails from the get go and has to lean on the pass game to get back into the usual playoff loss. Mahomes will pick his teeth with that philosophy, and also guys like Allen, Burrow, and now maybe even CJ await in the wings to tear that apart come playoff time.

You need to develop a QB, not because you need 300 yards passing every game, but because if you do need it, he can come through more often than not. Run game heavy philosophies are built on requiring a lead and maintaining it. Titans had the best weapons of any team in recent memory with that philosophy and still got slapped out of the playoffs 3 years in a row. In each loss, King was shut down because teams are smart, and Tenn had no answers, even with a capable Tannehill. The first year they looked unstoppable winning two impressive road games in the playoffs, until they ran into Mahomes. After that, it was two one and done appearances because teams just shut down the run game and that was the end of it. When your only strength is known, defensive coordinators around the league will eventually shut it down. To survive, you need to adjust.

You can be a fan of it no problem, but thinking it will get you far might be fool's gold. Titans tried it and had 1 good playoff run winning twice before outed, and this was a team with a punishing future HOF RB and a top 5 current WR in the league, plus their oline were zone blocking specialists at the top of their game. Steelers are not even close to having that as they are closer to what the Falcons had under Arthur.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Arthur Smith Can 'Help Stabilize The Quarterback Position' In Pittsburgh, Former Steelers OC Says

New Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith survived three boss firings while a member of the Tennessee Titans organization. First hired by Mike Munchak in 2011, his first head coach lasted three seasons. Ken Whisenhunt kept him on the staff before his in-season firing a year...

steelersdepot.com

Expect Steelers Football.

What is “Steelers Football“? (I know what you’re alluding to, but the years under Ben have been pass attack heavy and the defense was often less than stellar.)

"Cowherball", basically. 90's era "We're gonna win with pitching and defense." mentality. Wont focus on making plays primarily with the QB, instead just asking them not to eff things up/take what's given, but expecting them to have high efficiency when forced to have to be "the guy" in a particular game.

Which may wind up working just fine in the regular season if they re-invest in their OL and had a more viable QB. Come playoffs, though, it usually gets your team rolled fairly quickly in today's NFL.

So, basically expect similar results for them as the last decade or so. Theyll get their 9-10 wins, get rolled in WC round, be picking in the 20s and never have a shot at a legit franchise QB until they crater a season.

Destination will be the same, they just changed the hubcaps on the car they're driving there. IMO, of course.

He just has connections to just about every offensive coordinator the Steelers have had since Tomlin took over, other than canada.

 

[menobrown]

He just has connections to just about every offensive coordinator the Steelers have had since Tomlin took over, other than canada

I only see Whiz?

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

He just has connections to just about every offensive coordinator the Steelers have had since Tomlin took over, other than canada

I only see Whiz?

And Munchak and Mularkey. Among others.

Arthur Smith Discusses His Many Connections To The Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers have always been a family-oriented organization. Ties to Pittsburgh run strong, and oftentimes, when somebody is hired to the team, you can trace the dots back to some form of a connection to the organization. The Steelers new offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith, is no...

steelersdepot.com

 

[5-ish Finkle]

He just has connections to just about every offensive coordinator the Steelers have had since Tomlin took over, other than canada

I only see Whiz?

And Munchak and Mularkey. Among others.

Arthur Smith Discusses His Many Connections To The Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers have always been a family-oriented organization. Ties to Pittsburgh run strong, and oftentimes, when somebody is hired to the team, you can trace the dots back to some form of a connection to the organization. The Steelers new offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith, is no...

steelersdepot.com

"Pedantically" speaking, Mularkey pre-dates Tomlin's time in Pitt (even though you did couch your statement with "just about", not "all").

I think your point was clear/valid regardless.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

He just has connections to just about every offensive coordinator the Steelers have had since Tomlin took over, other than canada

I only see Whiz?

And Munchak and Mularkey. Among others.

Arthur Smith Discusses His Many Connections To The Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers have always been a family-oriented organization. Ties to Pittsburgh run strong, and oftentimes, when somebody is hired to the team, you can trace the dots back to some form of a connection to the organization. The Steelers new offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith, is no...

steelersdepot.com

"Pedantically" speaking, Mularkey pre-dates Tomlin's time in Pitt (even though you did couch your statement with "just about", not "all").

Time is a flat circle. I just meant connections to steelers in general.

 

[rockaction]

You guys would know better than I would, but hasn't Tomlin been saying all along that they need to run the football? This hire of Smith comes as no surprise to me if you take him at face value. Seems to me you'll play Washington and Freirmuth a lot in two TE sets and let Harris and Warren run behind your line.

You'd need a slight QB upgrade to get you to Tannehill's level, but it's nothing that can't be done. It might even be Rudolph that can handle the passing game, which will likely be reliant on play action. So you'll be playing Titans football from around 2018-2020. Good times, I guess.

Maybe Marcus Mariota will be available. I kid, kinda.

Your Calvin Austin III shares just hit the ****ter, though.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

This hire of Smith comes as no surprise to me if you take him at face value.

Coach T has been attempting to get back to "dinosaur football" since at least 2019-ish, when Roeth injured his arm. But having even a reduced #7 under center limited how far they could go in that direction (e.g. he had the freedom to just audible to his own plays). After his retirement, Mike has leaned into more heavily.

So, no one is surprised by it. At all.

Some of us are pretty disappointed though.

 

[rockaction]

So, no one is surprised by it. At all.

Some of us are pretty disappointed though.

Ah, I see. I wasn't leaning too heavily on you all being surprised. More of a phrase of art.

Yeah, I can see where one would be disappointed with this hire. Arthur doesn't exactly scream "innovative," though Bri on the board would probably disagree with me. Arthur likes big, positionless guys in plus matchups against smaller guys, something he passes off as innovation.

But I'm a dilettante, really. What do I know? Smith will forget more football than I'll ever learn, so it's cause for humility.

 

[menobrown]

You guys would know better than I would, but hasn't Tomlin been saying all along that they need to run the football? This hire of Smith comes as no surprise to me if you take him at face value. Seems to me you'll play Washington and Freirmuth a lot in two TE sets and let Harris and Warren run behind your line.

And that run the ball edict comes from higher up then Tomlin.

I've been a man on an island here in thinking this is an ideal hire, I'd go so far as to say the perfect hire for the personnel the team has especially when I see some of these other OC hires.

I'd guess most of my fellow Steeler fans who hate the move would have been happy for Kubiak and the reality is the offense that was most similar to the Falcons last year was the 49'ers and I mean that formationally and tendency rise. I believe in neutral situations Atlanta and SF were bottom two last year in pass attempts, bottom two in 11 personnel and top two in 22 personnel. Major formation difference was SF led the league 21 personnel and Atlanta led the league in formations involving multiple TE's. So Kyle Juszccyk instead of a TE was the major difference. Obvisouly they got better players to pull it off and not saying Arthur is remotely on Kyle's level but my point is that they play to their strengths and their run heavy team is in the SB. You don't have to be super pass heavy, and when you got our QB situation I just don't know how that can be successful.

And I'm not sure that Arthur can't put a good passing game together or is stuck in some stone age era. He's had nothing but sub-mediocore QB's, what was he suppossed to do? He has a lot of ties to some old Steeler coaches that liked to run the football and I've not doubt he likes to run the football. But he also had a year under LaFluer and the "Shanahan system" and Arthur has said before he considers Joe Gibbs his biggest influence and Gibbs is a coaching son of Air Coryell. These offense typically like to use the run to set up the pass. Lot's of under center, play action. I'll keep saying this but with the personel this team has I think it's the best approach.

Yeah, I can see where one would be disappointed with this hire. Arthur doesn't exactly scream "innovative," though Bri on the board would probably disagree with me. Arthur likes big, positionless guys in plus matchups against smaller guys, something he passes off as innovation.

I'd argue he was trying to be innovative with that plan to play positionless football and if I assume, and I do, he had a big say in personnel matters they tried to be innovative by targetting premium players at non-premium positions. I think his ego got in the way to be honest and that's what upset fantasy fans because I think he seemed to think he could scheme things up for anyone and that's what led to under utilizing his studs. That to me goes back to the positionless football plan and he got a little to carried away with plays>players. Hopefully his ego got checked.

 

[rockaction]

Interesting thoughts. I don't have anything really to add—just wanted to let you know that I read them.

Oh, I do have something to add. I think my wording was a bit off. I meant that positionless football was his innovation. I shouldn't have said "he passes off as innovation." I meant from an effectiveness standpoint, not as a motive. He didn't lazily try to pass anything off. He meant what he was trying to do. I fully believe you're correct in your statement that "he was trying to be innovative with that plan." My comment should have been that it didn't work.

 

[karl.Racki]

https://x.com/Blitz_Burgh/status/1754181599824925022?s=20

 

[Grid71]

Warmed up to Arthur Smith as OC. It's the new reality, and 33 light years ahead of Matt Canada. Running multiple plays out of the same formation/personnel alone is a huge win. Pair a healthy Steelers D with results AS coached up in Tennessee would make the Steelers a top playoff contender. Tons of work to do.

Potential big hole at WR2/3. Real quick, better figure out if Pickens and Diontae are on board with blocking. Smith isn't going to coddle them like Tomlin, so anyone not on board with blocking gets traded for what you can get. Pickens should be fine. Saw him blocking much more aggressively after Warren comments. Diontae, not so certain. I'm skeptical ARob gets a big $$$ offer elsewhere. Seems like a great fit for AS. Willing blocker and no waves when he doesn't get many receptions. Healthy veteran presence for young receivers on how to be a professional. Cal Austin sticks as special teamer alone, but doesn't seem like a good fit other than obvious passing situations. See what he can prove in camp.

QB - Sorry to those holding out hope. Kenny doesn't have it. Looking forward to seeing who Pittsburgh signs in FA to beat out KP in the competition. Heart and gut both want Mason Rudolph to win the job. Voices in my head go to Tomlin wanting Justin Fields. (Diontae - Fields package in the works?) Chicago would have to be tempted giving Caleb DJ squared as WR 1 and 2.

OL - Massive priority to get this group coached up as the big guys make his offense go. Drafting JPJ round 1 will probably be the default on everyone's mock drafts.

Pick	Player	Pos	College
1:20	Jackson Powers-Johnson possibly best player in the draft for Arthur Smith on par with elite OT	IOL	Oregon
2:19	Jeremiah Trotter Jr. missed out on ILB in 2023 draft. Peyton Wilson another good candidate.	LB	Clemson
3:20	Ricky Pearsall high effort WR who blocks? hard to pass up	WR	Florida
4:19	Christian Jones need OT to develop. missed out on Blake Fisher by a pick.	OT	Texas
4:20	Khyree Jackson 6'3" 200+ long arms, can tackle. seems like a great fit	CB	Oregon
6:19	Jordan Whittington big physical WR with RB history probably won't drop this far in April	WR	Texas
7:20	Austin McNamara MUST upgrade this position and camp bodies haven't punched ticket	P	Texas Tech

 

[fred_1_15301]

If we have to give up this year’s first for Fields, no thanks.

 

[Max55]

If we have to give up this year’s first for Fields, no thanks.

I agree. I’d be very happy if they get Fields but not for a 1st.

 

[irish eyes]

If we have to give up this year’s first for Fields, no thanks.

I'd even be a little disappointed giving up a 3rd.

 

[menobrown]

If we have to give up this year’s first for Fields, no thanks.

I'd even be a little disappointed giving up a 3rd.

No one will be giving up a first for Fields but you can put me in the camp that would also be a little disappointed if all we gave up was a third. I'd talk myself into getting excited about it or being ok with it, like I did with Pickett, but not what I'd want to see them do at all.

 

[3C's]

You guys would know better than I would, but hasn't Tomlin been saying all along that they need to run the football? This hire of Smith comes as no surprise to me if you take him at face value. Seems to me you'll play Washington and Freirmuth a lot in two TE sets and let Harris and Warren run behind your line.

And that run the ball edict comes from higher up then Tomlin.

I've been a man on an island here in thinking this is an ideal hire, I'd go so far as to say the perfect hire for the personnel the team has especially when I see some of these other OC hires.

I'd guess most of my fellow Steeler fans who hate the move would have been happy for Kubiak and the reality is the offense that was most similar to the Falcons last year was the 49'ers and I mean that formationally and tendency rise. I believe in neutral situations Atlanta and SF were bottom two last year in pass attempts, bottom two in 11 personnel and top two in 22 personnel. Major formation difference was SF led the league 21 personnel and Atlanta led the league in formations involving multiple TE's. So Kyle Juszccyk instead of a TE was the major difference. Obvisouly they got better players to pull it off and not saying Arthur is remotely on Kyle's level but my point is that they play to their strengths and their run heavy team is in the SB. You don't have to be super pass heavy, and when you got our QB situation I just don't know how that can be successful.

And I'm not sure that Arthur can't put a good passing game together or is stuck in some stone age era. He's had nothing but sub-mediocore QB's, what was he suppossed to do? He has a lot of ties to some old Steeler coaches that liked to run the football and I've not doubt he likes to run the football. But he also had a year under LaFluer and the "Shanahan system" and Arthur has said before he considers Joe Gibbs his biggest influence and Gibbs is a coaching son of Air Coryell. These offense typically like to use the run to set up the pass. Lot's of under center, play action. I'll keep saying this but with the personel this team has I think it's the best approach.

Yeah, I can see where one would be disappointed with this hire. Arthur doesn't exactly scream "innovative," though Bri on the board would probably disagree with me. Arthur likes big, positionless guys in plus matchups against smaller guys, something he passes off as innovation.

I'd argue he was trying to be innovative with that plan to play positionless football and if I assume, and I do, he had a big say in personnel matters they tried to be innovative by targetting premium players at non-premium positions. I think his ego got in the way to be honest and that's what upset fantasy fans because I think he seemed to think he could scheme things up for anyone and that's what led to under utilizing his studs. That to me goes back to the positionless football plan and he got a little to carried away with plays>players. Hopefully his ego got checked.

You're not really on an island. While I do have some "reservations" I'm more than okay with the hire. I think he's smart enough to adapt to the players available to him. He's not one of those guys who will try to force a square peg into a round hole.

And regarding both the Kubiak/SF talk and the lack of innovation by Smith, this is what Zac Taylor (a respected offensive coach) had to say regarding Smith:
The making behind the system is a culmination of many of the coaches - and players - Smith has been around; he's learned, he's implemented and he's leading an offense that's rushed for over 150 yards in five of its six games. "It's a blend of multiple systems that's turned into one really finely-tuned system that Arthur's put together," Taylor said. "Then you see the 22, 13 personnel stuff that you saw from Tennessee. They've matched all the play action from Tennessee and San Francisco, and all that stuff is blended."

 

[3C's]

If we have to give up this year’s first for Fields, no thanks.

Seems unlikely that they'll get a 1st for Fields and if it's a 1st for Fields or taking a chance on the 2nd tier of QBs this draft I'm choosing the latter. The Bears will be lucky to get a 2nd, and supposedly more likely to get a 3rd. If they're going to trade him and draft Caleb they have no leverage and everyone knows it. Browns only got a 5th for Baker, but that's the Browns. Seems more likely a late 2nd to a 3rd round is where it'll be.

 

[3C's]

Warmed up to Arthur Smith as OC. It's the new reality, and 33 light years ahead of Matt Canada. Running multiple plays out of the same formation/personnel alone is a huge win. Pair a healthy Steelers D with results AS coached up in Tennessee would make the Steelers a top playoff contender. Tons of work to do.

Potential big hole at WR2/3. Real quick, better figure out if Pickens and Diontae are on board with blocking. Smith isn't going to coddle them like Tomlin, so anyone not on board with blocking gets traded for what you can get. Pickens should be fine. Saw him blocking much more aggressively after Warren comments. Diontae, not so certain. I'm skeptical ARob gets a big $$$ offer elsewhere. Seems like a great fit for AS. Willing blocker and no waves when he doesn't get many receptions. Healthy veteran presence for young receivers on how to be a professional. Cal Austin sticks as special teamer alone, but doesn't seem like a good fit other than obvious passing situations. See what he can prove in camp.

QB - Sorry to those holding out hope. Kenny doesn't have it. Looking forward to seeing who Pittsburgh signs in FA to beat out KP in the competition. Heart and gut both want Mason Rudolph to win the job. Voices in my head go to Tomlin wanting Justin Fields. (Diontae - Fields package in the works?) Chicago would have to be tempted giving Caleb DJ squared as WR 1 and 2.

OL - Massive priority to get this group coached up as the big guys make his offense go. Drafting JPJ round 1 will probably be the default on everyone's mock drafts.

Pick	Player	Pos	College
1:20	Jackson Powers-Johnson possibly best player in the draft for Arthur Smith on par with elite OT	IOL	Oregon
2:19	Jeremiah Trotter Jr. missed out on ILB in 2023 draft. Peyton Wilson another good candidate.	LB	Clemson
3:20	Ricky Pearsall high effort WR who blocks? hard to pass up	WR	Florida
4:19	Christian Jones need OT to develop. missed out on Blake Fisher by a pick.	OT	Texas
4:20	Khyree Jackson 6'3" 200+ long arms, can tackle. seems like a great fit	CB	Oregon
6:19	Jordan Whittington big physical WR with RB history probably won't drop this far in April	WR	Texas
7:20	Austin McNamara MUST upgrade this position and camp bodies haven't punched ticket	P	Texas Tech

That would be a really good draft! I'd be ecstatic with those 1st 3.

 

[Wigglytuff's Gruff]

JPJ and JTJ with our 1 and 2.

Surely we need to be drafting Jarvis Brownlee Jr, Jha'Quan Jackson and John Emery Jr if we want to see this thing through?

 

[steelers1080]

You don't HAVE to have an elite QB to make it to the AFC/NFC Championship game, or the Super Bowl, but it drastically decreases your chances if you don't in today's NFL. In the not too distant past you could get to the big game through a great defense and solid run game. Early Ben and Brady weren't statistical marvels, but they did enough to win and had amazing teams around them. Not too different from the modern 49ers with Garoppolo and Purdy (though Purdy is definitely playing above game manager).

There's a reason that almost every SB for the last 20 years has had Brady, Manning, Big Ben, or Mahomes in it.

That said, the Steelers don't have an elite QB and won't have one for 2024 no matter what they do. If they sign Cousins, trade for Fields, trade up in the draft, doesn't matter. They won't have an ELITE QB. They might have a better one, but not an elite one.

Their best bet for next year, and sadly maybe the next couple years, is to maximize what they do have and try to win with it. Form the team into a dominant defense, amazing O-line, and great skill position players. They have some studs on defense, but also some glaring holes. If they can add a solid CB, ILB, and DL, the defense would be fairly locked down.

On offense the glaring holes are QB, OT, and Center. WR lacks depth and Pat F is going to be a FA soon, but OT and C are the major concerns that can be upgraded quickly. The consensus seems to be that the Steelers must get a center in rounds 1 or 2. The other pick could go in a ton of directions, but Center by pick 2 feels necessary. Cole was so damn bad last year.

Also, I still feel strongly that the Steelers should do whatever it takes to add Tory Taylor, punter from Iowa. If our team is expecting to play a ton of close games, we need to have an advantage in the punting game. Harvin is back breaking.

The Arthur Smith hire feels like they got an OC who can make the best of their mediocre situation at QB. I would not be surprised to see a significant improvement in Kenny's play next season, but I think even with a big improvement he'll still be far from Elite.

 

[sm8680]

If we have to give up this year’s first for Fields, no thanks.

Too bad this isn't 2022

 

[steelers1080]

If we have to give up this year’s first for Fields, no thanks.

Too bad this isn't 2022

We can take solace in knowing that Fields would have been ruined by Canada instead of Eberflus, so either way he would be bad.

Fields still has the potential to be great, but I think it would probably take Shanahan, Andy Reid, or maybe Slowik to unlock. I think if we trade for him he will be slightly better at his highs and a turnover machine at his lows.

If we trade for Fields I'd hope it's low compensation since we're going to have to pay him, like one of our 2 4th round picks.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Frisman out as WR coach. Hines incoming???

 

[Grid71]

You don't HAVE to have an elite QB to make it to the AFC/NFC Championship game, or the Super Bowl, but it drastically decreases your chances if you don't in today's NFL. In the not too distant past you could get to the big game through a great defense and solid run game. Early Ben and Brady weren't statistical marvels, but they did enough to win and had amazing teams around them. Not too different from the modern 49ers with Garoppolo and Purdy (though Purdy is definitely playing above game manager).

There's a reason that almost every SB for the last 20 years has had Brady, Manning, Big Ben, or Mahomes in it.

That said, the Steelers don't have an elite QB and won't have one for 2024 no matter what they do. If they sign Cousins, trade for Fields, trade up in the draft, doesn't matter. They won't have an ELITE QB. They might have a better one, but not an elite one.

Their best bet for next year, and sadly maybe the next couple years, is to maximize what they do have and try to win with it. Form the team into a dominant defense, amazing O-line, and great skill position players. They have some studs on defense, but also some glaring holes. If they can add a solid CB, ILB, and DL, the defense would be fairly locked down.

On offense the glaring holes are QB, OT, and Center. WR lacks depth and Pat F is going to be a FA soon, but OT and C are the major concerns that can be upgraded quickly. The consensus seems to be that the Steelers must get a center in rounds 1 or 2. The other pick could go in a ton of directions, but Center by pick 2 feels necessary. Cole was so damn bad last year.

Also, I still feel strongly that the Steelers should do whatever it takes to add Tory Taylor, punter from Iowa. If our team is expecting to play a ton of close games, we need to have an advantage in the punting game. Harvin is back breaking.

The Arthur Smith hire feels like they got an OC who can make the best of their mediocre situation at QB. I would not be surprised to see a significant improvement in Kenny's play next season, but I think even with a big improvement he'll still be far from Elite.

100% with you moving on from Harvin. Whatever it takes for Tory Taylor is a 4th round pick using walkthemock. Did one mock taking Tory, but felt like it messed up that draft. There are too many solid options available at CB/LB/OT among other positions. Wouldn't mind using a late pick to bring in McNamara from Texas Tech.

Solid take you have on the elite QBs. Need a special scheme to produce like the 9ers have done. Arthur Smith just might have what it takes to MSOGA (make steelers offense great again) Dang that would look good on a t-shirt.

 

[3C's]

I'd take the vandy punter as a consolation prize.