“He’s Been Through Fire”: Russell Wilson Impressed by Arthur Smith as Steelers OC’s Offense Bodes Well for Veteran QB

Going back a few years Russell Wilson was among the best quarterback players in the NFL. Regularly finding himself in the MVP conversations, Russell played his best years for the Seattle Seahawks. “Let Russ cook” was the anthem around Lumen Field whenever Russel led a pass-heavy attack. But now the 9-time Pro Bowler has found himself playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers after a disastrous campaign with the Denver Broncos.

Wilson isn’t the only one looking for redemption with the Steelers. New Steelers OC Arthur Smith is also trying to bounce back after a dismal time being the HC of the Atlanta Falcons. During his time in charge of the Falcons, Arthur didn’t manage to secure a playoff berth once. Thereby, resulting in him getting fired after three seasons at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

But speaking about Arthur Smith on SiriusXM NFL Radio, Wilson seemed pretty excited as he said, “I think He teaches in just a great way and his ability to break down the film the one-on-one time we spend together too makes a huge difference.” Seems like, Russell is appreciating the man-management skills of Arthur Smith. And, how he is breaking down the game to Wilson to make it easier for him to understand.

Russell added, “I think also too Um just his knowledge of the game. Obviously, he’s been a head coach, he’s been through fire too. As well he’s you know sometimes you get molded in that way you know. I think I love his edge he has play calling you know. He’s got a tenacity to him that I love.” From his views about Arthur, Russell is not only appreciative of his coaching but also his play-calling attributes. Thereby, making it easier for an offensive player to identify their roles on the gridiron. Moreover, Smith’s tactics perfectly align with Wilson’s game thereby producing a ground-and-pound approach.

This might not be the first time Smith will be overseeing the revival of a lackluster player. When he was an assistant coach for the Tennessee Titans, Smith turned around a middling QB to a Pro Bowler in a single season. QB Ryan Tannehill who averaged adjusted net yards per passing attempt of 5.29 in 2018 for the Dolphins. Exploded under Smith, when those numbers jumped to 8.52 and 7.90 in consecutive seasons.

However, when Smith left the Titans to join the Falcons, Ryan never managed to regain those heights yet again. But can Smith perform the same magic on Wilson by reviving his career after an ill-fated time at the Broncos?

Can Russell Wilson re-discover his mojo playing for the Steelers?

Wilson’s stint at the Mile High City was so bad that his previous employers would be paying $39 million for Russell to play for a different team this season. Last season, Russell completed just 66.4 per cent of his passes while scoring 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Those numbers eventually got him benched for the last two games thereby all but confirming his exit from the Broncos.

However, speaking about Russell’s move to the Steelers for just $1.2 million, Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus said, “The Steelers upgraded at quarterback for pennies on the dollar and paired Wilson with new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith in the offseason.” Talking about the upgrade, the Steelers haven’t had a signal caller of Russell’s caliber to reach 25 touchdown passes in the last three seasons. Moreover, Wilson might also be the starting QB under Arthur as the Steelers traded their first-round pick Kenny Pickett to the Eagles. 

Although the Russell-Smith pairing could be a match made in heaven. The Steelers also possess firepower in other positions. Like the duo of RB Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren playing backfield. George Pickens functioning as a dynamic receiver option for the QB. Alongside, TE Pat Freiermuth who would be responsible for controlling the middle. With these weapons, Wilson could start playing his natural run-heavy play-action game.

Nonetheless, it remains to be seen whether the Steelers Nation find the Russell that used to terrorize the opposition’s defense with his passing play. Or, the age is catching up to the 35-year-old? This season is set to provide us with all the answers.