Steelers notes: An increased role for Cole Holcomb? Arthur Smith respects Mike Vrabel

Asked Thursday a question related to his projected offensive personnel deployment for Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith displayed a little paranoia.

“I don’t want to give too much strategy away,” Smith said, “especially playing these guys in New England. I know (Patriots coach Mike) Vrabel too well. He’s got his little henchman, ‘Stretch,’ John Streicher. You ever see ‘The Godfather?’ (Actor) Robert Duvall (as) Tom Hagen, that’s what ‘Stretch’ is to the Patriots.

“I know he’s listening to this one. He’s searching for whatever you put out there. Sorry, Stretch. I’m not giving away too much strategy.”

Smith had some fun with the Patriots’ coaching staff because he has such a long history with many of those who compose it. When Vrabel was hired as coach of the Tennessee Titans in 2018, he retained Smith on his staff as tight ends coach.

The following year, he promoted Smith to offensive coordinator, a gig that, ultimately, led to Smith getting hired as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons in 2021. Smith said Vrabel has meant “a ton” to him.

“I could go on and on,” Smith said of Vrabel. “He’d get mad at me because he hates getting complimented. Maybe I want to compliment him more, so he gets mad.

“In all sincerity, one of my closest friends in this profession. He’s extremely, extremely practical and a really, really smart football coach. Certainly, if my sons were competing, I’d want them, a guy you trust, you’d want your son to play for him. To me, that’s the highest compliment I can give.”

More Holcomb?

Cole Holcomb’s latest milestone in his return from a major knee injury suffered 23 months ago,playing snaps on defense in a regular-season game, came this past Sunday. That followed his first practice (in January), first preseason game (August) and first regular-season action of any kind (special teams only, Sept. 7).

Could the next step be a more significant role in the defense?

“There’s a chance,” defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said Thursday.

For a team that’s had its issues stopping the run, as an inside linebacker, Holcomb could be part of the solution.

“I thought Cole went in last week, and he did a good job,” Austin said. “The big thing is Cole’s been out almost two years. He’s been really working hard. He does give you a different physical presence. I think that I like where he’s going. He’s trending in the right direction. Guys that deserve to be out there will be out there. I would expect to see maybe a little bit more of him as we move along in this campaign.”