Some key additions along the offensive line and, most importantly, under center have optimism and expectations quite high for the Pittsburgh Steelers under first-year offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.
ESPN’s Mike Clay doesn’t see it that way, though.
In his seasons stats projections for ESPN.com, Clay sees the Steelers’ offense struggling once again and finishing near the bottom of the league in a number of statistical categories despite upgrades at QB in Russell Wilson and Justin Fields and Smith at coordinator.
Though the Steelers aim to be a ground-and-pound offense that wants to “roll” people with the rebuilt offensive line and two good running backs in Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, Clay is projecting a large regression for both Harris and Warren this season.