The Pittsburgh Steelers are giving Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada another chance and former legendary quarterback Ben Roethlisberger thinks the play-caller in his final NFL season will be more aggressive in getting the ball down the field with the young playmakers in his next chance at the helm of the unit.
The two-time Super Bowl winner is a big fan of the weapons the organization has put together. Giving them another year will allow the players and coaches to grow together.
Kenny Pickett speaks with offensive coordinator Matt Canada during training camp 2022 (Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation JSKO_PHOTO)
The Miami of Ohio product joined Randy Bowman of DVE Podcasts to chat about the games going on in the NFL playoffs and of course some news about the Steelers keeping their offensive coordinator.
"I would expect more aggressiveness," he said in regards to a question about whether Pittsburgh would look to go down the field more than they did in 2022. "I don't know who is coming back on the line or if they could get another upgrade in the draft but I think that would help. Sometimes you don't throw deep because you're not confident you'll have the time to do it. You'd like to see what that looks like next year."
One of the things that surprised Roethlisberger during the season was the ability of rookie Quarterback Kenny Pickett to use his legs, which he thinks could be a benefit to a scheme that wasn't really designed for a 39-year-old.
"One of the things I was most impressed with and didn't really understand was Kenny's mobility. It's more than just escapability. I've seen him run away from guys," the six-time Pro Bowler said. "I would use that more and that's something that Canada likes to do. Move the pocket. Or at least when I was there, his offense may have changed some because of me not being as mobile. He likes the jet sweeps with wide receiver motion."
Steelers Offensive Weapons
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) celebrates a long run against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, in Atlanta / Photo Credit: John Bazemore / Associated Press
When talking about some of the current playmakers on the Steelers, the 11th overall pick in the 2004 NFL draft couldn't help but feel a little nostalgic for some of the days when he and Tight End Heath Miller had a magical connection while watching Pickett run around to target his safety blanket Pat Friermuth.
"It felt so flashbacky, he would get involved really heavily late in games when you needed him the most. Those last couple games Kenny would kind of scramble and find Pat," he said.
He also highlighted the use of both running backs, Najee Harris and rookie Jaylen Warren saying "it helps both of them" and lets Harris run harder. Then, George Pickens "can catch any 50/50 ball" and is an "incredible talent" according to Roethlisberger.
The one spot that Roethlisberger really thinks could use some extra time to jell is with Pickett and Diontae Johnson. The receiver struggled to develop a relationship with the young quarterback and suffered a fallback statically.
"I do think there's room for growth though in the sense that you didn't see much from Diontae in terms of touchdowns. But to me that just speaks just as much Kenny and Diontae being on the same page as it is Canada doing it differently."
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 25: Diontae Johnson #18 of the Pittsburgh Steelers scores a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Nissan Stadium on October 25, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
So Steeler Nation, are you betting with Roethlisberger that with the young talent on the roster and another year to grow with the same coordinator will result in some more aggressive plays down the field? Let us know in the comment section below or on our social media.
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