The Pittsburgh Steelers may have had the best offseason out of all 32 teams in the NFL. Every single need that the organization had to fill was addressed and it all came to an end with an incredible draft at the end of April. Quarterback, Kenny Pickett now has a body guard in Broderick Jones while the offense also added a key blocking piece with Darnell Washington. The defense didn't get worse either with Joey Porter Jr. and Nick Herbig coming to town. And that's just the draft. General Manager, Omar Khan hit a home run in free agency as well.
Steelers general manager, Omar Khan speaks to members of the media at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, IN. | Photo Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski / USA Today
Everyone who roots, plays or coaches for the Steelers should be absolutely ecstatic heading into the beginning of the summer. That is, except for one person. Offensive Coordinator, Matt Canada should be terrified after the team's highly successful offseason. The chances of him lasting more than one more year in Pittsburgh are not high.
With a revamped offensive line, second-year quarterback and new additions including wide receiver, Allen Robinson, it would be a crime if the Steelers managed to only score 18 points per game like the unit did in 2022. The sad part is that the possibility is on the table with someone like Canada calling the plays.
The offense didn't just score an unacceptable 18 points per game in Pickett's rookie season, but was also dead last in touchdown passes to go along with being ranked 28th in total touchdowns. It was utterly embarrassing and shocking when reports swirled that the play caller with a lack of creativity would be back in 2023.
Steelers offensive coordinator, Matt Canada stares into the distance prior to a 2022 regular season game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA. | Joe Sargent / Getty Images
Canada, who is entering the final year of his initial contract, should be shaking in his boots after the front office demolished the competition throughout the offseason. If his unit manages underachieve in 2023, he may end up getting shown the door prior to the season ending. Many fans wanted him out midway through the 2022 season.
The Steelers aren't likely to have the best offense in the league given the incredible talent that is out there, but being in the bottom half at this point is unacceptable. Head Coach, Mike Tomlin is a defensive-minded guy who may be blinded by his own relationship with Canada. The two have ties to the University of Maryland (*pretends to be shocked*).
The play caller no longer has a single excuse to use when speaking to the media on Thursdays during the season. He has a promising young quarterback, stout offensive line and too many weapons to count. The entire offseason has had to have him thinking of what his next gig will be if he goes on to lay a dud in 2023.
Steelers offensive quarterback, Matt Canada and backup quarterback, Mitchell Trubisky communicate on the field at Acrisure Stadium prior to a 2022 regular season game against the Tampa bay Buccaneers in Pittsburgh, PA. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / Steeler Nation (Twitter: JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers Should Not Have Any Patience With Canada
The time is now for Canada to step up. The run-run-pass sequences are not going to cut it in 2023. The team has a legitimate chance to compete after Khan's marvelous first offseason as General Manager. The defense is going to be elite, but Canada's group needs to follow. It all starts with him and his willingness to trust Pickett and be creative. He has to be worried for his job security if his game plans remain the same in 2023.
Do you think Canada is terrified of his new-look roster on offense? Let us know in the comments below!
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