Tag: Mark Kaboly

Steelers QB Russell Wilson shuts down OC Arthur Smith conflict rumors

Russell Wilson dismissed the Arthur Smith-conflict rumors, making it clear where he stands on their working relationship with the Steelers.

Pittsburgh Steelers fans were in for a treat on Wednesday, as Pat McAfee brought Russell Wilson onto his show to answer questions about his career so far, the 2024 season, and his aspirations for 2025 and beyond.

However, the hard-hitting questions came after McAfee asked Wilson to shed light on a rumored ‘beef’ with OC Arthur Smith that has been making waves online.

Longtime Pittsburgh Steelers writer Mark Kaboly had reported on the strained working relationship between Wilson and Smith, and McAfee made his inquiries known early:

“You like Arthur? Hey, there are reports that you hate him.”

Wilson cleared the air, chuckling:

“Anytime you lose a game or two, or whatever goes on, people try to tear things down. I think Arthur is a great coach. Obviously, he’s been a head coach. We love trying to find ways to compete every day and just get better.”

 

The “game or two” in question is a complete undersell from Wilson, as the Steelers lost five straight to end the 2024 season, but it is promising that the rumors surrounding Smith and Wilson’s relationship were nothing more than that.

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Steelers insider argues T.J. Watt’s health calls for limiting snaps

A Steelers insider suggests benching T.J. Watt at halftime in Week 18, citing his health as critical for the team’s postseason success.

In what could only be described as a tough two-game stretch for former 2021 Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt—one that saw him fail to record a single sack in two consecutive games—one insider shared his opinion on how to prepare Watt for the playoffs.

Steelers insider Mark Kaboly, while appearing on the 93.7 livestream on January 3, referenced the idea of benching Watt at halftime in Week 18 after he got some snaps in. He updated fans on the nature of Watt’s health and explained why this decision would be beneficial to the Steelers’ long-term postseason aspirations, arguing:

“T.J. isn’t healthy. He needs some rest. You have to be smart with him.”

It has become evident to fans watching Steelers football over the past few weeks that Watt’s ankle injury may be affecting him more than previously believed.

 

Should the Steelers risk playing Watt at all against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 18, or should the Black and Gold heed Kaboly’s advice and limit his snaps?

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Can the Steelers go back to 1976, please?

The Pittsburgh Steelers had great success using two running backs in 1976. The team should give it a present-day whirl.

Picture it: Pittsburgh, 1976.

The Steelers had two starting running backs on the roster. You may remember them — Franco Harris and Rocky Bleier.

Bleier was drafted by two teams in 1968 — the Steelers in January and the U.S. Army in December. Once he returned to the team in 1970, he had a tough time earning a roster spot.

When Harris came on the scene in 1972, Bleier was a veteran, but still only had 238 carries to Harris’ 846 by the time 1976 rolled around. History was made that season when head coach Chuck Noll decided to utilize the two of them in the run game.

Bleier had a career season that year with 1,036 yards rushing and five touchdowns on 220 attempts. Harris had 1,128 yards and a career-high 14 touchdowns on 289 attempts. The two also logged 294 and 151 receiving yards, respectively.

The Steelers finished the season at 10-4 and became the second team in NFL history to have multiple 1,000-yard rushers. There have only been four league-wide ever since.

 

Fast-forward to recent history.

The Steelers have not had multiple 1,000-yard rushers, let alone multiple running backs. They’ve strictly been a feature back team. Head coach Mike Tomlin isn’t the only one to overwork his primary running back; Bill Cowher was guilty of it, too.

Although we saw flashes of it in 2018, James Conner was never meant to be a featured back — he was drafted to complement Le’Veon Bell. And since Bell parted ways with Pittsburgh, the Steelers have not found his replacement.

As The Athletic’s Mark Kaboly beautifully illustrated in his recent article, Conner’s yards-per-carry decrease, and injuries and fumblitis increase after 17 touches. Tomlin should take a moment to read it and limit Conner’s playing time this season for optimal results.

In the 2019 offseason, there was chatter about getting two RBs on the field. We’ll never know if the team was just blowing smoke as RB injuries never allowed it to play out.

I genuinely believe it’s time for the Steelers to evolve — not just consider 1976 but to employ its tactics. The NFL has changed dramatically since then, and more and more teams have been using multiple running backs, not only in running-back-by-committee but also in two running back sets.

It would keep defenses on their toes and allow the offensive game plan to open up even more. Not to mention, it would take some pressure off an aging Ben Roethlisberger.

This can be achieved by drafting an RB in the second or third rounds and rotate him with Conner and in tandem with Conner. Sprinkle in Benny Snell, Jr. and a dash of Jaylen Samuels and the Steelers have a recipe for the Super Bowl.

A girl can dream, can’t she?

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