The Pittsburgh Steelers and Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada have a lot of questions that need to be answered heading into the 2022 season. There’s the obvious decision as to who the heir apparent to Ben Roethlisberger will be, but there’s more to it than that. What we all need to see is whether Canada can reignite the fire on offense.
Pittsburgh Post Gazette
Kick Start Our Heart
The team was rather sluggish in terms of speed of play during the 2021 season, especially in the early opening moments of the game. Roethlisberger was able to lead multiple comebacks in the fourth quarter to give the Steelers life. In turn, resulted in victory in seven of nine games, but now that he has retired, the black and gold brigade will have to look for other players to step up in Canada’s offense.
“Winning games is really important,” Canada said. “If you start fast, it’s easier to win games. Last year is last year. I have no problems with how we tried. We didn’t get our ultimate goal, but it’s a new year, a new time. There are a lot of different things. We’ll work and try to be better this year. We have to play better. We know that.”
The team relied heavily on the ball-carrying capabilities of Najee Harris last year, and even though they will most likely be looking to do more of the same in 2022, they will also be looking at ways to incorporate other weapons. Guys like Chase Claypool, Diontae Johnson, and Pat Freiermuth will be looking to improve on their numbers from last season. Adding some young talent from this year’s draft class like George Pickens and Calvin Austin III means that regardless of who is under center, Pittsburgh should be able to move the ball downfield quickly and efficiently. But who will be the guy to throw them the ball?
Quarterback Camp Battles
Before camp began, everyone thought the job was all but solidified for Mitch Trubisky.
Pittsburgh Post Gazette
Trubisky has had a decent showing in camp so far, working hard to learn the playbook, as well as build chemistry with his new teammates.
“He’s come in with a real good demeanor, and he’s earned the trust and respect of his teammates, which is unbelievably important,” Canada said. “It is the position that is the focal point. We know he has the ability. We know he is a first-round talent. But the way he’s come in here and done that, his great knowledge of the game, he’s done a great job of not only grasping the system but getting involved with what he likes and things we can do.”
As camp has progressed, we have seen the quarterback battle heat up as long-time backup Mason Rudolph has been showcasing his ability to potentially snatch the starting job away from Trubisky.
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Rudolph’s emergence has been a pleasant surprise, impressing both fans and coaches. Canada expressed his thoughts in an interview with 93.7 The Fan on PM Team W/Poni & Mueller.
“So, Mason’s getting the second reps right now, almost equal maybe slightly less than Mitch. He has been given a very fair shot to this point. Mason has played very well at times. He’s got a great shot at it.”
It’s difficult to divvy up the reps between these two, and it’s more difficult when you have a third good quarterback in Kenny Pickett.
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Many fans are hoping and wishing for Pickett to get more reps with the first team, but he’s been slated to run with the second and third strings in the early stages of camp. To put everyone’s qualms at ease, Head Coach Mike Tomlin put out a statement.
“Reps are gonna come. Not only for him [Pickett], but for everyone. We’re at the very early stages of this. Everyone’s gonna get an opportunity to show their capabilities, for sure.”
Suffice to say, Canada and his offense will be elite no matter who is deemed the starter. Trubisky, Rudolph and Pickett are all capable quality quarterbacks who can easily lead this team. With a revamped offensive line and weapons aplenty, it wouldn’t come as a shock if the Steelers end up boasting one of the fastest, and overall best offenses come September.
What do you think? Is Matt Canada’s offense going to be faster and better this season? Let us know down below.
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