Steelers' hiring of Arthur Smith places all the pressure on Kenny Pickett's shoulders heading into 2024
The Pittsburgh Steelers embarked on change for the first time in a while on Tuesday. Staying true to their word about hiring a coordinator from outside the organization and with NFL experience, Pittsburgh and former Falcons HC Arthur Smith put pen to paper today. Here's what the hiring of Smith as OC means for Kenny […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers embarked on change for the first time in a while on Tuesday.
Staying true to their word about hiring a coordinator from outside the organization and with NFL experience, Pittsburgh and former Falcons HC Arthur Smith put pen to paper today.
Here's what the hiring of Smith as OC means for Kenny Pickett:
A New OC In Town
Smith joins a Steelers offense desperately in need of a makeover. And before you say that pressing the restart button should include a new QB, you have to consider Arthur Smith's history.
Yes, I know it didn't end well in Atlanta with Smith and the Falcons as they relieved him of his head coaching duties after three consecutive 7-10 seasons.
But you have to examine who he was working with in Atlanta.
The Falcons starting QBs during Smith's tenure were:
- Matt Ryan
- Marcus Mariota
- Desmond Ridder
- Taylor Heineicke
Well, that's not exactly a fearsome foursome of Pro Bowler's if you know what I mean.
In fact, the most competent QB that Smith coordinated an offense with was Titans QB Ryan Tannehill.
Yes, the same Ryan Tannehill that was let walk by the Dolphins and signed to be the backup in Tennessee.
How successful were they together?
All they did was come within one game of the Super Bowl, dominate the division and get each other massive pay raises as a result of the partnership.
The funny part is, Pickett comps similarly to Tannehill, with many even labeling him as such during his pre-draft process.
One could also argue that Tannehill didn't have the variety of weapons that Pickett will at his disposal, making this year the biggest of his career for multiple reasons.
No matter who Pittsburgh hired, year three was always going to be the prove-it year for Pickett.
But you insert an OC that is a proven winner and without a lot of talent at his disposal, that pressure cooker just got turned up a notch for Pickett.
