The Pittsburgh Steelers have made headlines this offseason, not just for landing Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf, but for the questions those moves created. Critics have questioned how a pass-heavy quarterback and vertical threat fit into Arthur Smith’s run-focused style. Smith made it clear that he’s not worried about outside opinions.
Steelers OC Arthur Smith Addresses Aaron Rodgers Concerns, Stresses Flexibility Over Stereotypes
That skepticism isn’t without reason. Smith’s past offenses leaned heavily on the ground game, ranking third in rushing attempts in his final season with the Atlanta Falcons. That history raised doubts about whether Rodgers and Metcalf can thrive in a scheme not known for its aerial attack. But Smith pushed back, insisting the system will adapt, not stay locked in outdated tendencies.
Last season, the Steelers’ offense, under Smith’s direction, ranked fourth in the league in rushing attempts. This led many to believe his philosophy was set in stone: Ground and pound, control the clock, and minimize risk.
Aaron Rodgers at the helm of the New York Jets in 2024 was second in the NFL in pass attempts — sandwiched between Cincinnati Bengals’ Joe Burrow and Kansas City Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes — showcasing an inclination to air the ball out. The stark difference has fueled speculation about how Smith plans to integrate these divergent styles.
Joe Burrow: 468
Aaron Rodgers: 368
Patrick Mahomes 392https://t.co/a11LvcSh0o— Allison Koehler • PFSN (@AKoehlerNFL) June 11, 2025
During his June 11 press conference, Smith didn’t dodge questions about how he plans to marry his style with his star players’ strengths.
“We didn’t bring Aaron in here, and signed DK for all that money, to go run the wishbone,” Smith said flatly. “You try to play to the strengths of your team.”
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 acknowledged the perception that his offenses have leaned heavily on the run, but he offered context. He explained that the high volume of rushing attempts in previous years often stemmed from situational football, roster limitations, and efforts to get younger players up to speed.
“We end up having to throw it a lot more at the end of the year,” he said, referencing last season. “That’s what happens when you’re down and you’re getting into some no-huddle.”
He also pointed to early-season instability across the offensive line as a factor in leaning on the ground game. “We played with a lot of different O-lineman early in the year. Some things you’re trying to get the guys to get their feet wet.”
Still, Smith stressed that balance is the goal, not predictability. His objective isn’t to check boxes for run-pass ratios but to tailor his scheme to match the strengths of his roster and exploit the weaknesses of opposing defenses.
“You’d love to be more balanced. You’re not obvious in how you want to attack this defense,” Smith explained. “That’s the game that’s played every Sunday.”
This version of the Steelers’ offense won’t be built on a rigid system. It will be built around Aaron Rodgers’ command at the line of scrimmage and Metcalf’s ability to stretch the field. For all the talk of his past tendencies, Smith claims the past doesn’t dictate the plan moving forward.
Only time will tell if the Steelers’ offense can evolve.