A Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator known as probably the greatest video games of the week. When was the final time you learn that? Usually, the one place you noticed Matt Canada’s title was on a Faculty GameDay signal. In line with information analyst Steven Patton, OC Arthur Smith and DC Teryl Austin have been top-three coordinators of Week 1.
As he notes, the pattern dimension is small, making conclusions troublesome, but it surely’s arduous to not be impressed by the job each coordinators did. And it ought to be famous that Mike Tomlin has a heavy hand in defensive sport planning and play calling, making Austin’s rating much less important. And when you’re searching for element on how these numbers are created, you’ll be able to take a look at his system right here.
Pittsburgh’s offense featured a secure and conservative sport plan intent on not letting Atlanta safeties Jessie Bates III and Justin Simmons take over the sport. With a quarterback scenario in flux, enjoying on the highway, and in opposition to an opponent with out a lot tape, the Steelers caught to operating the ball. RB Najee Harris carried the ball 20 instances whereas the Steelers ran it 41, their most in an opener since 2007.
Arthur Smith opened up the playbook within the second half. He used extra play-action and rollouts to create straightforward half-field reads and completions for QB Justin Fields, retaining the offense on schedule and avoiding third and lengthy, even when the group confronted 17 whole third downs.
Pittsburgh must be extra productive. Ok Chris Boswell accounting for all 18 factors isn’t sustainable, however there have been hardly any play calls to be upset about on Smith’s finish. Execution wants to enhance. And when the offense wanted a jolt, Smith schemed up WR George Pickens for giant performs downfield.
Austin and the protection settled in after getting chewed up on the primary drive. Within the second half, they shut the Falcons down, holding them to at least one first down and 1.2 yards per play. QB Kirk Cousins was below fixed strain regardless of Pittsburgh’s resolution to not blitz, Mike Tomlin stating Cousins’ success in opposition to additional rushers. Per our charting, the Steelers blitzed him solely 3 times, largely approaching “hug” rushes the place the again or tight finish stayed in. They despatched just one DB blitz, a rush from SS DeShon Elliott that the Falcons countered with a display go.
After giving up early yards in opposition to the run, Pittsburgh contained RB Bijan Robinson the remainder of the sport, holding him to below 4 yards per carry and an extended of 13.
Arthur Smith and Teryl Austin must show themselves for the remainder of the season. And the group’s final aim is to win within the playoffs. There are far greater objectives on the horizon. Nevertheless it all begins with a starting and the primary appears have been promising.