The Pittsburgh Steelers may have won two out of their initial four games to start the 2023 season, but no one should think that the offense is off to a good start. They have struggled greatly early in the season after a fantastic preseason. Once again this season, Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada is taking major heat for the team's woes. They cannot seem to get the ball moving either on the ground or in the air.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada has underachieved during his time with the team.
Attacks on Canada only increased after reports surfaced that he had said to broadcasters prior to the Week 4 game, the team isn't built to come from behind or come back and win when down. Supposedly Canada said this to Spero Dedes and Adam Archuleta before the Steelers lost badly to the Houston Texans.
Canada barked back during his recent press conference, saying that his comments were grossly misinterpreted. He said it was a conversation about why the Steelers ran more and used more play-action in Week 3 against the Las Vegas Raiders. According to Canada's redaction, it was because they had struggled so badly against the San Francisco 49ers, that they didn't want to get in the hole again.
Now Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett is speaking up about the comments after being asked about it by the media. The interview was recently posted on the Steelers website and it included Pickett's reaction to the tale about Canada.
"We've got to be designed to put points up and win games, that's what I care about. I don't care if we're behind or ahead or whatever the situation may be. It's our job to put more points on the board than the other team does, so that's what our goal and desire needs to be."
He addressed that the team is not where they want to be right now, but that isn't the focus. Their focus is on the game ahead. He said there is no secret answer to how to right the ship, everyone just has to keep their heads up and continue to work hard.
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Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett gave credit to the traveling fans for their victory over the Raiders in Week 3 of 2023.
While Canada might be the play-caller, Pickett is the de facto leader of the offense. When things get tough during the game, his teammates are going to look to him for guidance. To this end, another reporter asked Pickett if the team gets down by a few touchdowns, does he believe they are designed to stage a comeback?
"Of course. I think any game we're in, we have a chance to win, no matter what."
Pickett said the team's entire focus is not on what has happened in the past. Instead, they are planning how they will succeed against a tough Baltimore Ravens defense. According to Pickett, part of how they will do that is by the offense continuing to work on building and developing their run game.
Steelers' Kenny Pickett Said Team Has To Focus On Their Game
The Steelers offense has looked lethargic through Week 4. They have scored only 62 total points. It isn't just one side of the offense that is weak, it is currently both. The passing game has just 80/132 completions for 737 yards, four touchdowns, and four interceptions. As for running the ball? Not much better with 87 rushes for 315 yards and zero touchdowns. This is shocking for a Steelers franchise that prides itself on running the ball.
USA Today
Alex Highsmith and TJ Watt celebrate a turnover against the Baltimore Ravens.
During the Week 2 game against the Cleveland Browns, the Steelers defense was able to come up big and essentially win the game for them. However, they didn't even manage to stop the bleeding against the Texans. Now they will play a Ravens team with a healthy Lamar Jackson. They will need not only Pickett and the rest of the offense to step up and score, but they will also need the defense to contain Jackson and all of his new receiving weapons.
What do you make of Pickett's comments? Click to comment below.
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