This past offseason the Pittsburgh Steelers started their search for their next offensive coordinator after they parted ways with Matt Canada midway through the 2023 season. There were several individuals interviewed, but the Steelers decided to go with Arthur Smith as their guy to orchestrate their new offense.

The reviews of Smith by the national media and the fan base were not great. Everyone pointed to the failed system in Atlanta during his 3-year tenure as the head coach as Exhibit A of his system not being able to work in the modern NFL.

But prior to his hiring in Atlanta, Smith’s Tennessee Titans offense was dynamic with Ryan Tannehill at quarterback. Would Smith be able to rejuvenate the careers of either Russell Wilson and/or Justin Fields in Pittsburgh?

The early returns from the Arthur Smith experience seem to be mixed, at best. Let’s take a look at the raw data surrounding the Steelers throughout their first three games, all three wins as everyone who follows the team knows.

First 3 Games

Steelers at Falcons – 66 plays, 270 yards (133 passing / 137 rushing), 4.1 yards per play, 0 TD, 18 points, 35:36 TOP

Steelers at Broncos – 58 plays, 251 yards (110 passing / 141 rushing), 4.3 yards per play, 1 TD, 13 points, 32:19 TOP

Steelers vs. Chargers – 65 plays, 346 yards (232 passing / 114 rushing), 5.3 yards per play, 2 TDs, 20 points, 33:51 TOP

Looking at these numbers not much jumps off the page outside of the number of plays run and overall time of possession. The Steelers ability to extend drives and keep their defense fresh has been paramount to the team’s overall success.

But do these statistics truly show the success, or failure, of Smith as a coordinator?

Before going any further, it should be noted three games is not a big enough sample size to draw a major conclusion, and let’s also not forget the Week 1 outing saw the game plan change dramatically when Russell Wilson tweaked his injured calf on the week prior to the road trip to Atlanta. However, before we leave the raw statistical data listed above, there is no way you can’t see the team is trending in the right direction heading into the Week 4 game against the Indianapolis Colts on the road.

What about the eye test? Does that matter?

While the statistics might say the Steelers offense is struggling with Smith and Fields at the helm, have we seen that truly play out on the field? Has the offense been filled with ineptitude, something Steelers fans have seen with their last two offensive play callers?

If you’re asking me, I’d have to suggest the early returns on the Arthur Smith offense have been positive. Are things great? Not entirely, after all the team still averages well under 20 points per game. But what about the explosive plays which were negated by penalties? What about the success the Steelers saw in Week 3 vs. the Chargers on the offensive side of the ball. What if the Steelers didn’t kneel out the clock at the one-yard line and instead punched the ball into the end-zone to pad their scoring statistics?

Smith’s progress as a play caller is just starting to come to fruition with Fields at the helm. The two were given a baptism by fire this season, and they seem to have come out on the other side with positive results.

Will that continue? That has yet to be seen, but it is at this time I ask you, the reader, what you think of the Arthur Smith offense so far? Have you been pleased? Disappointed? Expecting something else? Let us know what you think in the comment section, and be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the team as they prepare for the Week 4 game vs. the Colts.