Arthur Smith Issues Bold Warning to Former Team: “We’ll Heat You to 99 Degrees”
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has made waves with a fiery statement directed at his former team ahead of their upcoming match. Smith, known for his hard-nosed approach and competitive nature, sent a clear message that his current Steelers squad will be ready to bring the heat—literally and figuratively—on the field.
Smith’s comments, “We’ll heat you to 99 degrees,” have captured the attention of fans and media alike. While the remark might sound symbolic, it carries significant weight given Smith’s history with his previous team and his fierce determination to push the Steelers to the top of the league.
Arthur Smith has long been regarded as one of the NFL’s most creative offensive minds. His career, which took off during his time with his former team, saw him rise through the ranks to become one of the league’s most respected offensive coordinators. However, his recent move to the Pittsburgh Steelers has brought a renewed sense of urgency and fire to his coaching style.
Smith’s statement could be seen as a direct challenge to his former team, signaling that he’s prepared to use all the weapons in the Steelers’ offensive arsenal to overcome any obstacles. The “99 degrees” comment highlights his belief that the intensity his team will bring to the field will be unmatched.
This upcoming matchup is more than just another game for Smith, and the storyline of facing his former team only adds fuel to the fire. The stakes are high, as the Steelers have been looking to make a statement this season, and Smith’s game plan will play a crucial role in their success. His familiarity with his former players and coaching staff gives him unique insight into their weaknesses, and it seems clear that he intends to use that knowledge to his advantage.
Despite the intensity of the situation, Smith has remained composed, focusing on preparing his team for what he expects to be a physically and mentally demanding game. The Steelers’ offense, led by Smith’s strategic play-calling, has shown significant improvement in recent weeks, and there’s no doubt that his former team will have to brace themselves for the challenge.
Under Smith’s guidance, the Steelers have built a potent offensive lineup, with star players stepping up to execute his complex play designs. The team’s ability to adapt and play with a high level of intensity has become a defining feature of Smith’s approach. His focus on pushing his players to perform at their highest level is reflected in his bold statement, where the “99 degrees” serves as a metaphor for the pressure and energy his team will bring.
Steelers fans have rallied behind Smith’s aggressive mentality, eager to see their team continue their rise. With the offense clicking and the players buying into Smith’s vision, there’s a sense of optimism that this could be a breakthrough season for Pittsburgh.
Arthur Smith’s declaration is more than just a soundbite—it’s a reflection of his relentless drive to win and prove his worth. His decision to take the Steelers’ offensive reins was seen as a bold move, and he’s now using every opportunity to show that he made the right choice.
As the matchup against his former team approaches, all eyes will be on Smith and how his offense performs under pressure. Whether or not they “heat” their opponents to 99 degrees remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Arthur Smith and the Steelers are ready to bring the heat.
‘I’ll See You All Sunday:’ Falcons TE Kyle Pitts Responds To Concern Over Injury
While TE Kyle Pitts was listed as “limited” on the Atlanta Falcons’ Wednesday injury report, it was only technically so. With his hamstring injury casting some doubt on his availability this Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pitts took to Twitter to calm fears.
“Damn 2 less plays in a rack got y’all concerned 💀 I’ll see you all Sunday,” he tweeted Wednesday evening.
In other words, Kyle Pitts was hardly limited during the team’s practice and will be full-speed ahead to take down Pittsburgh in the season opener.
Pitts is searching for production similar to his rookie year, where he caught 68 passes for over 1,000 yards. The last two seasons have been quieter, a sophomore slump followed by average numbers in 2023, finishing with 53 grabs for 667 yards and three touchdowns. Despite his top talent and lack of passing game weapons in three years in Atlanta, Pitts has just six touchdown catches. He’ll be aided by a new coaching staff led by OC Zac Robinson, who Pittsburgh attempted to interview, coming over from the Los Angeles Rams.
The Steelers will need to create a plan to slow him down. The defense got faster this summer with the additions of ILBs Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson. Having a healthy safety unit is also critical, including free agent addition SS DeShon Elliott. Facing TE Pat Freiermuth throughout camp, Elliott could be the lead man responsible for covering Kyle Pitts this weekend. Second-year CB Cory Trice Jr. could also be a matchup answer in dime packages.
During his Tuesday press conference, Mike Tomlin downplayed the concern, noting the in-division challenges Pittsburgh faces against athletic tight ends. Baltimore’s Mark Andrews is one of football’s best, while Cleveland’s David Njoku has progressed during his career.
Atlanta won’t release their final injury report with Pitts’ game status until Friday. But it’s safe to say he’ll be out there this weekend.