Anytime a coach goes up against his former team, it’s always an intriguing matchup because of the familiarity between the two sides. The Falcons defense knew exactly what Arthur Smith wanted to do in Week 1. Similarly, Arthur Smith knew the strengths and weaknesses of the Falcons defense better than anyone.
The end result was probably a push. The Steelers’ offense didn’t score a touchdown, but they were able to possess the football, and Justin Fields made some timely big plays. But perhaps most importantly, the Steelers did not turn the ball over, winning the turnover margin by three. That’s even more notable when considering Justin Fields, who is notorious for turnovers, was thrust into action after Russell Wilson was a late scratch.
A big part of why Fields looked so comfortable was Arthur Smith’s game plan. The former Falcons head coach never allowed him to feel uncomfortable, utilizing his strengths in the run game and only passing outside of the numbers. Fields literally didn’t complete a single pass over the middle of the field in Week 1.
Justin Fields pass chart looks like a pitcher who’s about to be sent down to the minors pic.twitter.com/WSOB7m5Eo6
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) September 9, 2024
When asked about it on Thursday, Arthur Smith said it was intentional. He knows Jessie Bates roams the middle of the field in the Falcons defense and didn’t want to allow him to make any game-changing plays.
“Our Jason Bourne — TJ Watt — wrecked the game, theirs didn’t.”
Arthur Smith said it was his choice to not have Justin Fields throw in middle of field. Didnt want to have Jessie Bates wreck the game. He has a ton of respect for Bates.
"Our Jason Bourne — TJ Watt — wrecked the game, theirs didnt"
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) September 12, 2024
For all of Arthur Smith’s faults as a head coach, he’s as acute as any offensive coordinator in the league.
How else can you explain the Falcons managing to win seven games in back-to-back seasons with Desmond Ridder and Marcus Mariota under center? He’s one of the best at accentuating his offense’s strengths and masking their weaknesses, which isn’t always pretty, but the Steelers don’t care. In fact, Mike Tomlin might prefer it.
The good news is the Eagles won’t be nearly as cautious with Jalen Hurts and their cast of weapons. There should be plenty of opportunities for Jessie Bates III to make game-wrecking plays come Monday night.
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Photo: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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