Arthur Smith Jokes Steelers Didn't Add Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf to 'Run the Wishbone'

Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith joked that the team didn't bring quarterback Aaron Rodgers and wide receiver DK Metcalf aboard just so they can run the wishbone.

"You'd love to be more balanced," Smith said, per ESPN's Brooke Pryor on Wednesday. "You're not obvious in how you want to attack this defense, what you think their strengths and weaknesses are. That's the game that's played every Sunday. ... we didn't bring Aaron in here—and signed DK [Metcalf] for all that money—to go run the wishbone. So, you know, you try to play to the strengths of your team."

The wishbone is a run-oriented offensive formation featuring four backs (one quarterback, two running backs and a fullback) that came to prominence at the University of Texas in 1968. Texas went from 6-4 pre-wishbone to 9-1-1 (and Cotton Bowl champions) in 1968 to national champions in 1969.

So it was a phenomenon that revolutionized the game then. It's certainly outdated now in 2025. However, Smith has been known to be more run-oriented when calling plays in the past. Of course, he had superstar Derrick Henry in the mix when he was the Tennessee Titans' offensive coordinator, so that made sense.

He loved the run when he was the Atlanta Falcons' head coach, with the team notably fourth in rushing play percentage in 2023 and second in 2022.

As Pittsburgh's OC in 2024, the Steelers were fifth in rushing play percentage. It wouldn't be a surprise to see that number go down, though, with Rodgers and Metcalf aboard.

The 41-year-old Rodgers is a four-time NFL MVP and 10-time Pro Bowler. His best days are likely behind him as he enters his 21st NFL season, but he's obviously still a capable quarterback, having thrown for 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns last year for the New York Jets.

Metcalf is an explosive and fast downfield threat who has amassed at least 900 yards and five touchdowns in each of his six NFL seasons. He's WR1 in Pittsburgh as the Steelers look to make big strides on offense with Rodgers aboard.

Ultimately, Rodgers and Metcalf are the big stars on this offense, although the running game could impress with rookie Kaleb Johnson joining Jaylen Warren. Still, there's obviously no plans to run the wishbone as Pittsburgh potentially airs it out more with Rodgers under center and Metcalf catching downfield passes.