Arthur Smith Coordinates Aaron Rodgers’ Bounceback as Former QBs Struggle
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PITTSBURGH – A curious pattern is emerging in the NFL: quarterbacks once faltering find renewed success under Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, while those who left his system have largely regressed. The most recent example is aaron Rodgers, experiencing a statistical resurgence in Pittsburgh after a dismal 2024 season with the Jets. This trend is intensifying scrutiny on Smith as he gains traction as a potential head-coaching candidate for the 2025-2026 season.
The narrative isn’t isolated to Rodgers. Justin Fields and Russell Wilson, both previously exhibiting inconsistent play, have demonstrated marked improvement under Smith’s tutelage with the Steelers. Conversely, their performances with other teams before and after their time in Pittsburgh reveal a stark contrast, raising questions about Smith’s ability to unlock quarterback potential and the challenges faced when that system is removed.
Statistical Resurgence in Pittsburgh
Fields’ completion percentage climbed from 61.4% in 2023 to 66.3% during his 2024 stint with the Steelers, before dipping back to 63.7% with the Jets. He also reduced his sack rate, going from 3.4 sacks per game with the Bears in 2023 to 2.7 per game in Pittsburgh. Wilson mirrored this trend; his EPA (Expected Points Added) per dropback was negative in both 2023 and 2025,but neutral while with the Steelers in 2024,achieving a three-year high of 0.13 EPA per attempt.
rodgers’ revival is perhaps the most compelling case.After a challenging 2024 season with the jets where he posted some of his worst career numbers, the 41-year-old quarterback is thriving under Smith. Through the first six games of the 2025 season, the Steelers boast a 4-2 record and a 1.5-game lead in the AFC north, fueled by Rodgers’ dramatically improved statistics.
key Statistical Improvements
| Statistic | Rodgers – 2024 (Jets) | Rodgers – 2025 (Steelers) |
|---|---|---|
| EPA per Dropback | -0.02 | 0.13 |
| EPA per attempt | 0.07 | 0.20 |
| Passer rating | 90.5 | 105.0 |
| Completion Percentage | 63.0% | 68.8% |
| Sacks per Game | 2.4 | 1.5 |
| EPA vs. Blitz | 0.00 | 0.28 |
Rodgers’ EPA per dropback surged from -0.02 to 0.13,his passer rating jumped nearly 15 points (from 90.5 to 105.0), and his completion percentage increased by over five points (63.0% to 68.8%). Considerably,the number of sacks he concedes has decreased from 2.4 per game to 1.5, and his EPA versus the blitz has improved from 0.00 to 0.28, according to TruMedia.
Did You Know?
Arthur Smith’s coaching history includes accomplished tenures with Matt ryan, Marcus Mariota, and Ryan Tannehill, all quarterbacks with varying skillsets.
Adapting Offenses to Quarterback Strengths
Smith’s success stems from his ability to tailor offenses to each quarterback’s unique strengths. He recognized Justin Fields as an remarkable athlete who needed opportunities to utilize his mobility, designing run concepts and providing short, easy passing options. with Russell Wilson, a quarterback known for his deep throws but limited mobility, Smith emphasized play-action and a strong running game.
Now, with Rodgers, Smith has crafted an offense centered around quick-game concepts, capitalizing on the veteran quarterback’s precision passing and mitigating concerns about his decreasing mobility. He’s very good at it. He certainly has a mode of options, things he values. But he’s pliable enough to bring the ball not only to his quarterback and their skillset but to the talent within the collective, as well,
said Steelers coach Mike Tomlin.
Pro Tip:
Analyzing a coordinator’s track record with multiple quarterbacks can reveal their adaptability and ability to maximize player potential.
The Coaching Carousel Looms
As Smith’s name resurfaces in head-coaching discussions, the contrasting fortunes of Rodgers, Wilson, and Fields – thriving in Pittsburgh and struggling elsewhere – present a compelling case for his candidacy. The question remains: is Smith’s success a product of his system, or an innate ability to elevate quarterback play?
The Steelers’ transformation from highlighting Fields’ athleticism to accommodating Wilson’s limitations and now leveraging Rodgers’ precision demonstrates Smith’s versatility. He’s proven capable of building winning formulas around three distinctly different quarterbacks.
The Rise of Adaptive Offensive Coordinators
The modern NFL increasingly values offensive coordinators who can adapt their schemes to maximize the strengths of their quarterbacks. This trend reflects a shift away from rigid, system-based approaches towards more personalized strategies. Coaches like Arthur Smith, who demonstrate a proven ability to tailor offenses to individual players, are highly sought after as potential head-coaching candidates. The success of quarterbacks in different systems highlights the importance of a strong coach-player relationship and a well-designed offensive scheme.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arthur Smith and Quarterback Success
- Q: What makes Arthur Smith’s coaching style unique?
A: Smith’s adaptability is key. He designs offenses specifically to highlight each quarterback’s strengths, whether it’s mobility, arm talent, or precision passing.
- Q: How has Aaron Rodgers’ performance changed as joining the Steelers?
A: Rodgers has experienced a significant statistical resurgence, with improvements in EPA, passer rating, completion percentage, and a reduction in sacks taken.
- Q: Did Justin fields and Russell Wilson also improve under Arthur Smith?
A: Yes, both Fields and Wilson showed marked improvement in key statistical categories during their time with the Steelers.
- Q: What is EPA and why is it critically important?
A: EPA (Expected Points Added) measures the impact of a play on a team’s scoring potential. It’s a valuable metric for evaluating offensive efficiency.
- Q: Is Arthur Smith a likely head-coaching candidate?
A: Yes,Smith’s success with multiple quarterbacks has positioned him as a strong contender for head-coaching positions in the upcoming offseason.
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