LATROBE, PA (93.7 The Fan) – It hasn't been pretty. Anyone can see it and everyone is seeing it so far at Steelers camp at St. Vincent College. The offense is struggling. What offensive coordinator Arthur Smith told 93.7 The Fan after 10 practices.
From the inability to consistently move the ball during 11-on-11 drills, miscommunication, or probably better said, timing mistakes between Aaron Rodgers and receivers along with issues at the line of scrimmage.
Sunday's practice as an example, the defense won the 7 Shots drill six to one and controlled the line during goal line and short yardage periods. Add to that, If there is a position group that is excelling at camp, it's defensive backs. They have had tight coverage and controlled the air.
Smith said there are a lot of things going on and it starts with a number of new guys who really have never worked together as a group. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers didn't participate in offseason work, even at mini-camp he didn't do team periods. The rhythm seems off, several times so far this camp there appears to be some miscommunication on routes. Smith said Rodgers timing is different than most with his quick release.
"Until you see it up close, even our guys realize how quick it gets up on you," Smith told 93.7 The Fan. "Early in camp there was one day with a few drops. We hit Calvin (Austin) on a deep crossing route and that ball got on him so quick, I think it surprised him. That's stuff you have to work out now."
You see Rodgers talking to teammates. Working through the growing pains, sometimes with some tough love, but mostly in a positive, teaching way from the 41-year-old quarterback.
Smtih described his relationship early with Rodgers as awesome. Even though he's the offensive coordinator, Smith admits he trying to learn from the future Hall of Fame player.
"I'm always trying to pick people's brains," Smith told 93.7 The Fan. "It's been fun talking philosophies or situations that have come up throughout his career. He's extremely intelligent."
"The biggest thing is to understand how he sees the game."
A big question, when the Steelers offense is going right, is it going to look like last year?
Smith says no.
The second-year Steelers offensive coordinator said they are building the offense this season to play to Aaron Rodgers strengths. Making sure they get Rodgers in a comfort zone, so much so they might even change some of the play calls and offensive language to make it easier for him.
There are other factors working into what we've seen-Sunday was the first day the first-team offensive line worked together during padded practice team drills (left tackle Broderick Jones and left guard Isaac Seumalo have missed with injuries). There are several new receivers including two who the team traded for to play a big role in the offense-receiver DK Metcalf and tight end Jonnu Smith.
"There is a lot you are working on because you don't have a lot of time before week one," Smith told 93.7 The Fan. "So you are pressing these guys, at the same time you are trying to teach the young guys. The draft picks or guys that are new, we challenge them to learn. We have to see progress and we've seen progress."
Smith adds that he jokes that in training camp there are always ups and downs, on both sides of the ball. They are still experimenting with numerous combinations feeling they have four capable tight ends, four running backs-three are new to the Steelers and one is a rookie. While the believe Calvin Austin is the number two receiver, he's missed time due to injury. Second-year receiver Roman Wilson is trying to find his footing, veteran Robert Woods brings a toughness to the group and Ben Skowronek and Scotty Miller excel in special teams as you consider who might dress on a Sunday.
What else the offensive coordinator revealed to 93.7 The Fan is he doesn't like memorization. It probably would bring quicker results if he just let the players cram the plays, but what he thinks is better to teach them big-picture concepts. That way everyone knows what all are doing. Smith says that's better overall for the offense, even if it takes longer to get on the same page.
"We don't have a lot of time, but that's why you challenge them," Smith said. "You can't baby it and then all of a sudden, here is week one, now here comes calculus and we've done nothing but arithmetic. There is an art to that and this group has responded pretty well."
It hasn't look artful to this point. Mike Tomlin said he's seen some signs of playmaking. More signs are needed and as Smith said, the clock is ticking.
