In preparation for the Pittsburgh Steelers playoff game vs. the Baltimore Ravens, the team’s coordinators met with media to talk about their preparation and plan of attack before the Wild Card game Saturday night in Baltimore. Of course, plenty of “coach talk” was evident in these media sessions, but when asked if the team might give Justin Fields more snaps in the playoffs, Arthur Smith didn’t rule it out.

To be more specific, he said they will leave no stone unturned, but that they will “burn the boats” to try and survive to the next round. This per Mark Kaboly on Twitter/X:

Arthur Smith about using Justin Fields against Balt:

“We aren’t going to leave any stone left unturned. You are a in a single-elimination tournament. I use the analogy burn the boats because you have to survive and advance. We will use everything at our disposal. That’s the…

— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) January 8, 2025

When fans typically hear sayings like “burn the boats” and “leave no stone unturned” they think about one specific word, as it pertains to a football team.

Change.

But will the Steelers even try anything which will be noticeable vs. the Ravens? Is the team even possible of such change?

It pains me to say it, but I don’t think the Steelers offense is of the ilk to be able to make adjustments and change on the fly. If anything, this offense feels as if it takes weeks, not days, to prepare and be ready for changes in the roster.

But let’s play along and try and figure out just how the Steelers could make changes on the offensive side of the football?

More Justin Fields

Fans want change, and they want it to be noticeable. What would be more noticeable than to see Russell Wilson come off the field and Justin Fields run on? Sounds intriguing, and the back-up QB is always one of the most popular players on the team, but the key to this would be if the Steelers would ever use Fields in a way which wasn’t obvious? Using Fields more sounds great, and is enticing, but doesn’t mean the change will equate in success.

Less running in obvious situations

The Steelers ran the ball on 1st down vs. the Cincinnati Bengals so many times it felt like clock work. Throughout the season, 2nd and long runs were unbelievably predictable. If the Steelers can do anything to help their cause, it would be to be less predictable, but in all situations.

More Jaylen Warren

Najee Harris has a role on this offense, but sometimes you need the big play ability of Jaylen Warren on the field more. I’m not asking fora  60-40 split in favor of Warren, but close to 50-50 would certainly be appropriate, in my opinion. Against the Bengals Warren touched the ball just six times, all carries and no receptions. That has to change Saturday night.

More Mike Williams

Van Jefferson is a willing blocker, but sometimes you need to get your best, and most athletic, players on the field to make plays. That would mean Jefferson would be replaced for Mike Williams. Williams made another outstanding catch along the sideline vs. the Bengals to spark the offense, yet he was only targeted that one time. Get your best players on the field, you’ll need them to beat a good team.

Eliminate DOA Plays

If you’ve watched this team this season you know all about these plays. Plays which once the ball is snapped, the play is dead. Sometimes it’s a sack due to poor pass protection, it’s a stretch toss which is diagnosed and blown up, it’s a screen play which is sniffed out and goes for no gain or a tackle for loss. This links back to the predictability of the offense, but the Steelers need to minimize negative plays within their offensive structure. That means eliminate those Dead On Arrival (DOA) plays.

While all these changes, outside of more Fields, are subtle, will it even matter? While most fans will say it won’t, the worst that could happen is even these subtle changes don’t occur. That would signify the team not doing anything different, and somehow expecting different results. Trying something is better than trying nothing, but I don’t think anything drastic, again outside of the quarterback position, will be happening this Saturday in Baltimore.

Be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the playoffs Saturday night vs. the Ravens.