The drama between Russell Wilson and Arthur Smith is getting juicier by the minute. According to Steelers insider Gerry Dulac, the tension between the two stemmed from their differing philosophies on play-calling. Smith, the offensive coordinator, preferred a run-first approach, while Wilson, the quarterback, wanted to attack with passing plays.
Apparently, Wilson’s desire to change plays at the line of scrimmage, which worked well in their Week 13 win against the Cincinnati Bengals, didn’t sit well with Smith. This philosophical friction caused a rift between the two, with Smith reportedly not wanting Wilson to deviate from the game plan.
This clash in ideologies might have contributed to the Steelers’ struggles towards the end of the season, including a five-game losing streak. With Wilson’s contract up for renewal, it’ll be interesting to see how this dynamic plays out in the offseason.
It’s worth noting that Wilson has publicly downplayed the reported rift, saying he likes Smith and thinks he’s a great coach. However, the tension between them is undeniable, and it’ll be fascinating to see how the Steelers’ organization navigates this situation.
