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Steelers OC Receives High Praise at NFL Combine

Pittsburgh Steelers new play-caller Arthur Smith is receiving plenty of love at the NFL Combine.

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Pittsburgh Steelers are beginning their scouting at the 2024 NFL Combine, but before they begin meeting with players and addressing their draft board, most of the league's general managers and head coaches took the podium to discuss the current state of their franchises. 

While Steelers general manager Omar Khan did not speak due to a tragic event in his family, some members of the Pittsburgh organization were discussed by others around the NFL. One member who received plenty of praise was new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, who is still getting plenty of love from his former team. 

Atlanta Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot was asked about Smith and his new position with the Steelers and had nothing but positive reviews about Pittsburgh's new play-caller. 

"Yeah, love Arthur Smith and we spent three years together and we were like brothers and we had a really collaborative relationship," Fontenot. "Love Arthur, love his family and we're rooting for him going to Pittsburgh. And look, Arthur is, if you spend any time with him, you can tell right away, he's a smart guy and all he's worried about is making that football team better. And so, I've gotten to talk to coach Tomlin over the last few weeks too now being with Raheem and the relationship he has with Mike Tomlin, but I know they're gonna have a really good relationship and they're gonna do everything they can do to make that team as good as they can."

When it comes to the firing of Smith in Atlanta, many turn to the quarterback situation and question whether or not Smith will be able to develop a passer such as Kenny Pickett. But the Falcons' new coach Raheem Morris had some brutally honest truth to tell the fans and media. 

"If we had better quarterback play, I may not be standing here," Morris said in his press conference.

The optimism around Smith is growing, and what the Steelers' new offensive coordinator could bring to this team and its young offense is beginning to excite most who follow the team - and his praise at the NFL Combine should only help boost that excitement. 

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