Breaking Down A Cool Play Calling Sequence

The Pittsburgh Steelers' New Offensive Philosophy Under Arthur Smith

Breaking Down a Cool Play Calling Sequence

How the Wide Zone Philosophy Will Benefit the Steelers

After the failed Matt Canada experiment, the Pittsburgh Steelers were desperate in their search for a qualified play-caller. They found their man in Arthur Smith, the former offensive coordinator of the Tennessee Titans. Smith is known for his innovative play-calling and his commitment to the wide zone running game.

In this article, we will break down a cool play-calling sequence from Smith's playbook and explain how the wide zone philosophy will benefit the Steelers.

Play Calling Sequence

The play-calling sequence we will be breaking down is from the Steelers' Week 1 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. On 3rd and 1, the Steelers lined up in a 12 personnel grouping (1 running back, 2 tight ends, 2 wide receivers). The Bengals were in a 4-3 defense.

Smith called a wide zone run to the left side of the offensive line. The play-side guard and tackle pulled to block the linebackers, while the center blocked the nose tackle. The running back followed the pulling guard and tackle and ran through the hole created by the blocks.

The result was a 5-yard gain and a first down.

Benefits of the Wide Zone Philosophy

The wide zone philosophy is a running game scheme that emphasizes attacking the defense horizontally. The goal is to create running lanes for the running back by using pulling linemen and wide receivers to block defenders.

The wide zone philosophy has a number of benefits for the Steelers.

• It creates running lanes for the running back.
• It helps the Steelers control the tempo of the game.
• It keeps the defense honest.

The Steelers have a number of players who are well-suited to the wide zone philosophy. Running back Najee Harris is a powerful runner who is difficult to tackle. Tight ends Pat Freiermuth and Zach Gentry are both good blockers and receivers.

The Steelers' offensive line is also a good fit for the wide zone philosophy. The linemen are athletic and can move well laterally.

The wide zone philosophy is a good fit for the Steelers' personnel and it should help them improve their running game in 2023.