How players say Smith is changing Steelers offense

PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – For three years the Steelers offense seemed adrift, wandering through large chunks of seasons with no identity. The results would bear out the lack of direction. Early on through voluntary workouts you are hearing what seems to be change.

It's the buzz words that while not directly attacking or blaming former offensive coordinator Matt Canada, it is at least pointing out the differences now. Words like 'accountability', 'intensity', 'direction', 'toughness', 'meticulous' are being used to describe new Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's approach.

That appears to be a real conclusion you can draw from early Organized Team Activities going on now on the South Side. Often, we equate what players do in shorts to real football. What you can get a feeling for this time of year is feeling. It's not that the Steelers believe during this time of year, every team believes. Rather how they are preparing under new management.

"I think he's made everyone super-accountable, which starts with the players, but it's good to have from the coaches as well," said nine-year NFL veteran Isaac Seumalo. "I think he's been consistent in his message. He wants guys to take each day as it comes, be a pro and come in with an attitude of 'what can I do today to improve myself and help my teammates get this thing going towards week one and training camp'."

There is a lot in that paragraph from a team leader who does it by actions rather than words. Seumalo said this coaching staff won't let players get away with mistakes and yet will own up to their own. Consistent in his message, meaning they have a plan, an identity they are instilling now, not waiting to figure out in Week 10. Then inspiring players to be better and work towards a common goal.

It's the third year for Calvin Austin as a Steeler and first time he had a new offensive coordinator. He's noticed 'a lot more' intensity and a push behind the words this season.

"It's not a lot of lip service, not just saying something," Austin said Tuesday. "We say something in meetings and we are going out on the field and coach is looking for that. He's pushing for that. It's not just that we are saying it to sound good. We are actually going out there and you can feel that we are pushing on offense."

"We are pushing for everybody to be perfect and details. It's still early so not we are not going to be perfect, but the coaches are pushing for perfection."

No translator needed for those comments, Austin is politely saying no bull this year.

Tight end Connor Heyward said Arthur Smith brings force to his comments and a purpose to the offense. They are going to take the fight to defenses this year, not having the opponent dictate the line of scrimmage.

"The main thing he preaches is physicality," said new Steelers tight end MyCole Pruitt, who has spent six seasons with Smith between Atlanta and Tennessee. "We are going to run that ball for sure. We have great backs here that can take advantage of the scheme which will lead to us getting shots in the pass game as well."

"Physicality, effort, finishing and wanting to be a tough-nosed team on offense."

That last sentence is how Pruitt said Smith runs his offenses. It seemed the last few years the Steelers would get to that point eventually, this year they are working to make it an all year effort.

With everyone understanding the mission preached with a consistent message, the players can help police themselves. Whether it's the physically intimidating Seumalo or the 5'9" Austin.

"Really if it's not well received by any player, then that player probably don't belong here," Austin said. "We are pushing to be great, we are not pushing to have a winning record. No, no, we are pushing to be world champions."

Seumalo added he doesn't care how it looks, the biggest thing is winning. They haven't done enough of it in Pittsburgh and Smith is trying to change that.