The Pittsburgh Steelers were able to clinch a victory in Saturday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders. The win came in part because of a final scoring drive late in the fourth quarter, along with an interception by Cam Sutton on the Raiders' last possession. However, according to commentator Steve Smith, offensive coordinator, Matt Canada isn’t off the hook.
Steelers offensive coordinator, Matt Canada. | Credit: Joe Sargent/Getty Images
Smith Doesn’t Mince Words About Steelers' Matt Canada
The former Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens wide receiver did not pull any punches during the postgame show. Smith is part of an NFL Network crew that includes Maurice Jones-Drew, Michael Robinson, and Colleen Wolfe. As they discussed the Steelers' win, Smith let his thoughts about the coordinator be known.
He called Canada’s offense, “Saturdayish.” By this, he means it is more tailored to a college level than a pro level since college games are traditionally played on Saturdays.
When he was asked to elaborate on what he meant, Smith had this to say:
“I’m saying his play-calling is Saturday and this, even though today is Saturday, is Sunday football and it isn’t going to work here. Not on this level,” Smith said. “He’s calling Saturday plays on Sunday.”
It is not uncommon for a fan base to be angry at their offensive coordinator. The OC is most often the staff member that takes the most heat when things are not going well offensively. The concept of “Monday morning coordinating” is not new to the Steeler fan base.
However, Canada is taking more heat this season than is even normal. He has come under fire from multiple players who have called his play-calling “predictable.” This includes the Ravens' Patrick Queen who intercepted Mitch Trubisky during the two teams' last meeting. Queen implied that he knew the play Canada would run:
“There were two wide receivers over here and ’88’ on the other side,” Queen said in reference to [Pat] Freiermuth. “I just knew there were like three things he runs from over there. I just already knew what he was about to do.”
Canada is in his second year as the OC for the Steelers, he was originally hired in 2020 as the quarterback's coach and then promoted when Randy Fichtner’s contract wasn’t renewed. Prior to joining the Steelers, Canada worked exclusively in college football.
This lack of professional experience coupled with the struggles the offense has had the past two years have had fans calling for him to be fired for nearly the entire season. The team is now facing three quarterbacks that have found limited success under Canada's plan - Ben Roethlisberger, Trubisky, and the rookie, Kenny Pickett.
The Steelers have been steadily improving since the bye week. This leaves the very real possibility that Canada will return in 2023. The OC has one year left on his contract, but it is not unheard of for teams to part ways with an underperforming coach early.
The offensive unit is young, but stacked with talent. Unfortunately, they've been unable to get in sync much this season. Prior to the bye, the Steelers were among the lowest-scoring offenses in the NFL, but have now improved to something closer to average. The biggest reason for the improvement credits quarterback Pickett as well as an improved offensive line, rather than Canada. Pickett, who has always looked mature and comfortable, is settling into his QB1 role and learning to read the field better.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 04: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers throws a pass against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 04, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Whether Smith’s criticism is warranted or the result of a former rival letting off some steam, doesn’t really matter. The concerns are still valid. The Steelers have a big decision to make this off-season about the return of Canada.
The Steelers are well known for preferring to have coaching continuity. You don’t have to look any further than their head coach position to see that - they have only had three head coaches in more than 50 years.
What do you think of Smith’s criticism of Canada? What do you think the Steelers will do about Canada in the off-season? Has the offensive improvement been a result of Canada’s play-calling? Is that enough to save his job? Click to comment below!
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