Arthur Smith addresses Russell Wilson-Justin Fields QB competition as Steelers OC dismisses preseason struggles
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith still has no idea whom he should start between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Both quarterbacks have been on even ground during the preseason as the Pittsburgh Steelers lost their first two games at home against the Houston Texans and Buffalo Bills.
But that does not bother the offensive coordinator, who said during practice on Tuesday:
"Preseason can distort reality, good or bad. We've all seen it. That's not making excuses. ... That's not our standard. That's not acceptable, but at the same time, (we) would rather go through that now than (in) Week 1."
He continued by praising Wilson's willingness to play more snaps than necessary:
"I give Russ a lot of credit for going out there. I think a lot of guys in that situation may have tapped out. He hadn’t had enough reps. He wanted to go out there."
Wilson made his preseason debut against the Buffalo Bills as he went 8 of 10 for 47 yards. Meanwhile, Fields completed 11-of-17 passes for 92 yards. However, the Steelers still suffered a 9-3 defeat.
Steelers OC Arthur Smith defends Broderick Jones amid OT's struggles in preseason
But as it turns out, quarterback is not the only problematic position Arthur Smith has had to deal with in the preseason.
Right tackle Broderick Jones was a shell of his usual self, allowing two sacks and an untold number of pressures during the loss to the Bills. To his defense, he has been dealing with an injury to his right elbow, which requires him to wear a large brace over his arm.
Smith, however, still considers it something that must be mended. In that same media availability, he said:
"Once you get through the first practice, somebody is dealing with something, maybe more than others. I don't see that in Broderick. If you get beat early, that is an issue."
Still, that does not erase his belief in Jones:
"I got a lot of confidence in (him). What he did last year was one of the more impressive things as young guy - coming into the league very young, didn't play a ton at Georgia, and stepped in on a short week and play in a Thursday night game. That's pretty damn impressive."
Arthur Smith and the Steelers end their preseason at the Detroit Lions on Saturday.