In the past couple of years, Pittsburgh Steelers fans have witnessed their fair share of offensive challenges. However, the team's lackluster performance in the first two preseason games of 2024 has raised concerns about whether things will improve under new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.

During their Week 2 preseason matchup against the Buffalo Bills, the Steelers suffered a 9-3 loss, finishing with a mere 219 total yards of offense and punting on their first four possessions. This underwhelming display has left Steelers fans in the Steel City feeling uneasy about what may lie ahead for their team.

However, Smith remains calm and believes that their struggles are a part of the unpredictable nature of the preseason. He acknowledges that preseason performances can often distort reality, both in positive and negative aspects. Smith emphasized the need to evaluate the players without overreacting to the current situation.

The preseason held significant importance for Steelers fans due to the changes in the team's quarterbacks room. Kenny Pickett, Mitchell Trubisky, and Mason Rudolph made their exit, making way for the arrival of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. This set the stage for an intriguing competition on paper, but one that has yet to fully materialize during the summer.

Despite the Steelers' Week 2 struggles, Fields saw an increase in playing time, resulting in him accounting for a larger portion of the team's total offense. Fields recorded 92 passing yards and 42 rushing yards. However, the tape revealed both positive moments and disappointing instances for Fields, highlighting his inconsistency as a potential starter.

In contrast, Wilson failed to showcase any significant impact during his time on the field. Operating behind an inexperienced and reshuffled offensive line, Wilson completed 8 of 10 passes for a mere 47 yards, mostly through checkdowns. In total, the Steelers' offense lacked the necessary firepower to make a significant impact.

While the offense under Smith displays more creativity compared to the previous offensive coordinator, Matt Canada, there is still room for improvement. The starting unit has yet to score a single point in the first two preseason games, leaving much to be desired.

Smith acknowledges that the regular season is fast approaching and that his team is not yet ready to hit the ground running. However, he requests patience from fans, explaining that it is still only the preseason and that these struggles can be addressed before the start of the regular season.

The unpredictability of preseason performances has been evident in previous years as well. In 2017, the Cleveland Browns finished with a perfect 4-0 record in the preseason but went on to become the second team in NFL history to finish with an 0-16 record. Similarly, the Steelers experienced preseason success in 2023, going 5 for 5 on offensive possessions with their starters, only to face significant challenges during the regular season.

As the Steelers enter a pivotal year, the early signs are not encouraging for their offense. Smith remains determined to iron out the kinks and improve the team's performance before the regular season kicks off. While preseason performances may not always accurately predict regular season success, there is no denying the importance of addressing the areas of concern and finding solutions to enhance the team's overall performance.