Dulac: Steelers’ Offensive Struggles Due to Philosophical Differences

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steelcityblitz.com

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac dropped quite a bomb earlier today with an article outlining the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive struggles over the last five games. It is clear from Dulac’s reporting that Quarterback Russell Wilson and Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith did not see eye to eye on the direction of the offense. I do not however think it stops with those two.

What Dulac does not mention is what role Mike Tomlin may or may not have had in this. I find it incredibly odd that Tomlin didn’t have some input here simply because Smith’s approach very much aligns with what Tomlin likes to do.

Prior to their five game losing streak that finished the season, the Steelers had scored 44 points in a win over Cincinnati. This is allegedly where the issues began. Much of the success in that game was due to Wilson changing plays at the line of scrimmage which is something Smith was not crazy about. Following that game, the Steelers would not score more than 17 points in any of those final five games.

There’s no doubt in my mind that a power struggle was underway and Smith won out, likely with support from Tomlin. To be fair to both Smith and Tomlin, the level of defensive competition jumped drastically following that win over the Bengals. Two games at Baltimore, a game at Philadelphia and home games against the Chiefs and a desperate Cincy club would be difficult for anyone. That season finale however against the Bengals may be all the evidence one needs.

With the Steelers already in the postseason, the visiting Bengals needed a win and some help to get in themselves. Pittsburgh already knew that the Ravens had claimed the AFC North title so little was on the line for them. That said, the offensive gameplan could not have been more different from the successful one they had deployed in Cincinnati. Rather than letting Russell Wilson air it out as he did so well in the previous matchup, Smith chose a much more ‘run oriented’ attacked.

The Steelers’ offense never found its footing in the loss and most fans were left scratching their heads. Why run the ball so much when you threw it so well just weeks before? Every game in the NFL is different regardless of the opponent, but this drastic change was obvious and a failure.

The timing of Dulac’s article is interesting. It’s the type of thing that comes out just before or just after a coordinator is relieved of his duties. Smith being let go would be a shocker considering he is still under contract. Russell Wilson has made it clear on a couple of occasions now that he would like to return to the Steelers but would he want to come back if Smith returns?

Much of this centers on taking away Wilson’s ability to audible and change routes. We saw similar issues with Ben Roethlisberger and Matt Canada but I keep coming back to Mike Tomlin. We know he wants to run the ball, shorten games and rely on his defense so this has all of his hallmarks and that doesn’t bode well for anyone.

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