The Pittsburgh Steelers brought Arthur Smith on board as their offensive coordinator for two primary reasons.
Firstly, his extensive playcalling experience weighed heavily in their decision. Smith previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans from 2019 to 2020 and as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons from 2021 to 2023. Art Rooney II emphasized that Smith’s seasoned background played a pivotal role in his hiring.
Secondly, the Steelers are keen on elevating their running game to a higher level. Despite possessing talented running backs like Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, their ground game has struggled in terms of both total yards and touchdowns over the past five seasons. Their rankings reflect this: 29th in yards and 30th in touchdowns in 2019, 32nd in yards and 29th in touchdowns in 2020, 29th in yards and 30th in touchdowns in 2021, 16th in yards and 14th in touchdowns in 2022, and 13th in yards and 12th in touchdowns in 2023.
Smith has been entrusted with the task of revitalizing the rushing attack, backed by his proven track record of cultivating one of the league’s top rushing offenses over the past five seasons with the Titans and Falcons. His rushing offenses ranked 3rd in yards and 3rd in touchdowns in 2019, 2nd in yards and 2nd in touchdowns in 2020, 31st in yards and 27th in touchdowns in 2021, 3rd in yards and 10th in touchdowns in 2022, and 9th in yards and 15th in touchdowns in 2023.
The success of the running game isn’t solely reliant on the running backs; it also hinges on the performance of the offensive line and tight ends. Recognizing this, the Steelers prioritized securing a dependable tight end proficient in Smith’s offense to bolster their run-blocking capabilities.
The Pittsburgh Steelers signed a tight end to a contract who spent the last six seasons with Arthur Smith.
The Steelers have inked MyCole Pruitt to a one-year deal.
This move marks Pruitt’s sixth team in his tenth year in the NFL. Throughout his career spanning 109 games, he has accumulated 71 receptions on 96 targets, amassing a total of 748 yards and scoring 12 touchdowns.
What does MyCole Pruitt bring to the offense?
Pruitt’s addition might not pose a significant threat in the passing game, considering his relatively low reception numbers. However, his value lies in his familiarity with Smith’s offensive scheme and his demonstrated ability as a reliable run blocker. Nick Farabaugh of Steelers Now elaborates on the importance of this acquisition.
What does the Pittsburgh Steelers tight end room look like?
The Steelers roster boasts five tight ends, each with their own distinct strengths and roles:
1. Pat Freiermuth stands out for his prowess in the passing game, showcasing strong receiving skills. However, he has faced challenges with his blocking abilities.
2. Darnell Washington is recognized for his proficiency in blocking, though he has received limited targets in the passing game.
3. Connor Heyward possesses a dual-threat capability, capable of catching passes effectively while also contributing as a blocker. There’s speculation that he might transition to a fullback role in the upcoming season.
4. MyCole Pruitt brings familiarity with the team’s offensive scheme and is established as a reliable run blocker.
5. Rodney Williams serves as a reserve player primarily contributing on special teams.
MyCole Pruitt will have to earn a roster spot, and their GM will decide.
While Pruitt’s tenure with Smith over the past six seasons may provide him with a degree of familiarity, it doesn’t necessarily guarantee him a roster spot. Instead, he will likely find himself in contention for either the TE3 or TE4 position, depending on the team’s decisions regarding Heyward’s role.
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