The Steelers’ OC didn’t mince words when discussing Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense is in the hands of second-year offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Last season, Pittsburgh overachieved in terms of how its offense performed. The Steelers finished with the 11th-most rushing yards per game and finished in the top half of the league in points per game.
With the additions of Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf many fans have wondered what the offense will look like, or if any tweaks will happen now that a four-time MVP is under center. Smith addressed the media on Wednesday and humorously put to rest any notion that the Steelers wouldn’t take advantage of their two new stars.
“We didn’t bring Aaron in here and sign DK for all that money to go run the wishbone,” Smith said.
The Steelers ran the ball fourth-most last year, while Aaron Rodgers attempted the second-most passes.
Arthur Smith on marrying together a run-heavy OC with pass-happy QB:
“We didn’t bring Aaron in here and sign DK for all that money to go run the wishbone.” pic.twitter.com/vtFfLRQGQ9
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) June 11, 2025
Smith’s offense has always been centered around wide zone runs and leaning on the ground game to open up deep shots in the passing game. And while those core concepts and beliefs will still be there, Smith is smart enough to know that when you have Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf, there are other things you can do that you frankly couldn’t with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. I would expect to see more quick-game incorporated into the offense with quick in-breakers. So long as Rodgers has a clean pocket to get the ball out on those quick timing routes to Metcalf and other pass-catchers, that could become a larger part of the offense, and certainly more so than it was last season.