It certainly seems like the Pittsburgh Steelers will be bringing back offensive coordinator, Matt Canada for a third season in 2022. A strong finish to the season, late game-winning drives and an effective rushing attack likely saved his job and has given him another chance to prove himself as the play caller. That doesn't mean he couldn't use some help spicing up the offense though. Kenny Pickett is heading into his first full off-season as the starter and Canada could use some help to open up the playbook.
Steelers offensive coordinator, Matt Canada and quarterback, Kenny Pickett (#8) stand on the field during warmups at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA. | Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
Steelers Insider Believes Team Has A Realistic Shot To End Up With Byron Leftwich Despite Matt Canada Staying
Ray Fiitipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette joined the 93.7 the Fan Morning Show on Wednesday and was asked about if any changes could be coming on the offensive coaching staff:
“In terms of the OC and all the position coaches, if they were going to do anything, they would have done it by now.”
While acknowledging that the current staff is expected to stay in place, he isn't ruling out the idea that a little twist may end up happening in the next few weeks or so:
"I mean, I’m not going to close the door on the idea of [the Steelers] bringing in like a senior offensive assistant, much as like they did last year with Brian Flores."
Steelers senior defensive assistant, Brian Flores, points something out while coaching during 2022 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. | Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Flores was brought on board less than a year ago and seemingly had a great impact on the defense. The unit completely turned around an unreliable run defense in 2021 and was much more effective with a great mind like Flores in the defensive coaching room. Bringing someone with similar expertise on the offensive side might work out perfectly.
Fittipaldo was questioned about the Steelers philosophy and if it could work in this era of football. The offense was more worried about not turning the ball over, rather than being aggressive and then relied on the defense to hold teams consistently in 2022:
"The Steelers have weapons and I think there is a way in today’s NFL, you can play good defense and you can control the ball and you can make enough plays on offense to get to a certain point in the playoffs.”
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Kenny Pickett (#8) prepares to take a snap during a 2022 preseason game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
The issue for Pittsburgh is not necessarily whether they can be competitive with a conservative approach, but how are they going to come close to having the capability of beating two, maybe three powerhouses in the AFC all in one playoff run?
“The issue for the Steelers is ‘how do we play that type of football and get by Joe Burrow?’ And if you’re lucky enough to get by Joe Burrow, let’s say you’re lucky enough to win the division one year, you might have to deal with Josh Allen in the Divisional Round, you might have to deal with Patrick Mahomes.”
This should be the concern for Steelers fans. The three quarterbacks Fittipaldo mentioned are going to be around for a long time. To be the best, you have to beat the best and it seems as if Pittsburgh's offensive approach of late is not going to be enough to get that done. Bringing in a senior offensive assistant with fresh ideas could light things up a bit in 2023.
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