The Pittsburgh Steelers offense is what it is at this point. Despite rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett taking over the offense nearly a month ago, the offense hasn't gotten significantly better. They've been able to move the ball better at times, but Pickett's seven interceptions across three starts has set back some of that progress.
Steelers rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett tries to evade tacklers in the team's Week 4 loss against the Jets. Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
With the changes at quarterback and even running back this season, there's been one constant on offense: who's running the offense. That's offensive coordinator Matt Canada, who has failed to implement a creative offense for the second consecutive season. While head coach Mike Tomlin answered in his press conference that he is open to making changes on offense, he won't just quite yet.
"I don't feel like I'm there yet."
The fact that he said he is open to changes, perhaps that could mean Canada's seat is indeed hot. The Steelers are in fact nearing their bye week, which takes place after this weekend's game against the Philadelphia Eagles. It's quite unlikely an organization like the Steelers would move on from a coach in the middle of a season, but Canada has been just that bad.
PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 18: Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during the game against the New England Patriots at Acrisure Stadium on September 18, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
The stats aren't any prettier than what it looks like in live action. The offense ranks 31st in points per game (15.3), 30th in total yards (298.6), and tied-for-31st in touchdowns (nine total). They have just five passing touchdowns between Pickett and Mitch Trubisky, as well as just four touchdowns on the ground. The quarterbacks have three of the four rushing touchdowns, as starting running back Najee Harris has just one this season.
Tomlin was actually asked about Canada's continued usage of jet sweeps in an offense that lacks creativity. He seems to be quite unimpressed:
"At this point, they're not innovative anymore."
It sure does sound like Tomlin is becoming a little bit fed up with Canada, as he should be. Canada was supposed to be a creative, innovative offensive coordinator for the black and gold, but he's been far from that. The team had one of the worst offenses in 2021 with Ben Roethlisberger under center, and things have somehow gotten worse this season. Whether or not the team makes a change in the middle of the season remains to be seen, but it's clear the Steelers have to move on from Canada sooner rather than later.
Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger catches up with head coach Mike Tomlin at practice. | Credit: Matt Freed/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Should the team fire Canada during the Week 9 bye week? Who should replace him after this season? What does the offense need to do in order to become competent? Share your latest frustrating thoughts in the comment section below!
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