The Pittsburgh Steelers have struggled with many different phases of the game to start the 2022 season. The main concern has been a struggling offense that was supposed to improve with a more mobile quarterback in Matt Canada's offense.
That has been far from the case as the unit ranks 31st in the NFL in total yards, 30th in first downs and 28th in passing yards. The blame can be passed around to poor quarterback play from Mitch Trubisky and lack of separation from the receiving core, but the leader of the group in Canada held himself accountable on Thursday when he was speaking to the media.
Steelers offensive coordinator, Matt Canada on the field at practice during 2022 training camp. | Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Canada was very clear in saying that the offense has played badly, it needs to improve and it starts with him.
"I’m not going to come up here and say this should have happened, this should have happened. I’m in charge," Canada said. "We are not producing. I’m good with that."
The offensive group got together on Monday to discuss the flaws with their play so far this season and were all in agreement that they are nowhere near where they want to be as a unit.
"We had a great meeting Monday. We are not where we want to be, players see that. We know where we are," Canada said. "I feel really good that we made the corrections we need to make. Until we see it on Sunday, it doesn’t matter.”
The second-year offensive coordinator acknowledged that he and the players on the field need continue to do their jobs and stick to assignments. If they are able to improve each week, results will display the progress.
"As long as we keep doing our job it’s going to come around. We have great faith in that," Canada said. "Over the long haul with all of the skill we have, all the players we have, all the talent we have. We are going to get in the right place at the right time."
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 05: Diontae Johnson #18 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Heinz Field on December 5, 2021, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania / Credit: Joe Sargent / Getty Images
The up-tempo offense has clearly had better results in Canada's time in Pittsburgh dating back to last season when Ben Roethlisberger was the signal-caller. Canada admitted it has worked and he wants to use it each week.
"We have to use tempo when we can. It’s been beneficial for us. We see when it works. We want to keep doing it at times," Canada continued.
With that said, that style of offense is not what the play caller believes is always the best option for the Steelers.
"I don’t think we can be fast the whole game. I don’t think that’s best for our organization and for us winning. Winning is all that matter. Stats don’t matter, just winning," Canada said.
Head coach, Mike Tomlin commented on Wednesday about the negative "noise" that comes from outside of the locker room and Canada was asked about the same thing on Thursday.
"Noise is what it is. Our players have to handle it, I worry more about them than anyone else. I think they’ve done a great job. We came in on Monday, looked at it, saw it. We know we have to be better. Nobody likes to lose. Until we do that, it’s part of it," Canada ended.
The Steelers' offense needs to improve quickly if the team wants to remain in the playoff hunt after a tough October schedule. Canada can continue to say that they are working to be better, but wins and a more dynamic offensive unit is what will determine his status as offensive coordinator by the end of the year.
What do you make of Canada's comments on Thursday afternoon? Let us know in the comments below!
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