Steelers' Matt Canada Absolutely Blasts CBS Broadcast Claim That Offense Isn't Built To Come Back

The Pittsburgh Steelers offense has been ugly to start the 2023 season. Despite keeping their heads above water with a 2-2 record, there are major concerns on the offensive side of the ball as both the running and passing games rank near the bottom of the league through four weeks. Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada has been the main target of criticism from the media and fans, especially after he seemingly admitted to the CBS broadcast team in a pregame meeting that his group isn't built to come back when they're down in games.   

The team's controversial coach spoke to the media on Thursday and was quite adamant that his conversation with broadcasters Spero Dedes and Adam Archuleta before the game against the Houston Texans got twisted. He said he never told the pair his team wasn't built to come back if and when they get down in games. 

"That was an unbelievable misinterpretation of the conversation," Canada said of the report on CBS. "The conversation was about why we ran more runs and play-action against the Raiders versus the opening game."      

He explained that at the start of the first game against the San Francisco 49ers, the team couldn't get anything going until the 95-yard drive in the final minute of the first half that was capped with a touchdown throw by Kenny Pickett to Pat Freiermuth. Entering the second half, Pittsburgh trailed 20-7, and the 49ers tacked on another score by running back Christian McCaffrey right off the bat to make it 27-7. 

Canada said he liked the ball movement on the next drive, starting with Pickett completing a 26-yard pass to Diontae Johnson. Unfortunately, the receiver went down with an injury and it ended with a Pressley Harvin punt. Down three scores, Canada said he had to change up the game plan. 

"You're not going to stick to your running plan and running play action when you're down three scores," he said. " All we care about here is winning. The conversation at that point was that the plan wasn't built to do that. I thought we were going to win until the end. I kept throwing it." 

He said that made it tough on the line having to drop back to pass block so often and it was hard on Pickett to have that many drop backs. Canada said it's football 101 that when your team is trailing like Pittsburgh was against the 49ers, you have to speed up the game and that running the football or the play-action game doesn't make any sense.    

Steelers' Canada Still Confident In Players Turning Things Around

Situations dictate what a play-caller can do in any game. Pittsburgh had its best offensive day against the Las Vegas Raiders with a heavy dose of play-action and getting Pickett on the move. They tried for some of the same against the Texans, but it didn't work. Despite it not working, Canada is secure in his belief that his players are able to turn around the mess that has been the offense in the 2023 season. 

Canada said again that by no means was he saying to Dedes and Archuleta that the team can't come back from tough circumstances. As he tried to explain, the situation of the game against the 49ers dictated a change in approach from the one that they wanted to have, versus being able to execute what they wanted in Las Vegas. 

"At no point was that conversation meant in that regard and I certainly believe he knew that," he said. "Obviously, it was taken wrong, but at no point do I doubt our players or doubt that we can come back. No doubts." 

Canada's confidence could be seen as admirable that the team has struggled this much, but he hasn't waivered in his belief. It could also be seen as ignorance. The team has faced huge deficits against the 49ers and Texans and has failed to even put a dent in them. 

The coordinator may have trust in his group, but without proof of concept, that looks like blind faith. 

What did you think of Canada's defense? Do you buy that he got misquoted? Comment below!

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