Steelers Great Ben Roethlisberger Says Pump The Brakes On Firing Matt Canada "I Don't Know That That's The Answer"

The Pittsburgh Steelers did the opposite of what they have been doing throughout the 2023 season during their Week 11 game against the Cleveland Browns. Instead of pulling out a one-score game in the waning moments, they went three-and-out and allowed Cleveland to kick a field goal to win 13-10. This had fans (once again) screaming for Offensive Coordinator, Matt Canada's head on a platter. One former Steelers legend is advising fans that firing Canada might not be the answer.

While Steelers fans have not been overjoyed with Canada's play-calling, they have seen some improvements that have at least quelled the outpouring of venom. After seeing some sparks of creativity against the Green Bay Packers in Week 10, where they scored on their opening drive, the Browns game felt like a huge letdown.   

The game had just about everyone expressing their frustrations - from receiver Diontae Johnson on the field to Head Coach Mike Tomlin, running back Najee Harris' post-game interview, and even former players. Of course, no current player is going to blame a coach directly, comments about being sick of what is happening sound a lot like it. 

One former player, future Hall of Famer, Ben Roethlisberger, said that he doesn't see it as being all on Canada and argues that relating him now, as fans are demanding, would not solve their problems.    

Roethlisberger now co-hosts a podcast, Footbahlin' With Ben Roethlisberger, with his friend Spencer Te'o. Recently, he has been filming episodes while the two watch the game together, capturing the 18-year Steelers veteran's reactions. From his perspective, the offense needs to stop pointing fingers and take a look in the mirror. 

"It's like this new thing now, right? It's Fire Matt Canada, this and that, and the other. I don't know that that's the answer," said the Steelers former leader. "Again, people have to understand if it happens, if you fire Matt Canada right now, what does that look like? The team is in the playoffs."

You heard that right; the playoffs. The fact that the team is 6-4 in the toughest division in the league is huge. He has said before on his show, that he doesn't think that firing Canada will solve all of the team's problems. It opens a whole new can of problems that will have to be solved at a critical point in the season. Who would take his place? How would it make a difference, since they will still be using the same plays? 

"I mean, right now we're in the playoffs. We're 6-4. So, I think they need to probably look at themselves in the mirror as an offense and figure out what they need to do and what they can do, how they can get better."

While the plays may not change much, perhaps the playcalling will. It is hard to imagine that what was run during the Week 11 game was the best offensive game that could have been created. The Browns may have the number one defense in the league but they didn't really have to break out their "A game" against Pittsburgh. The Steelers' offensive line was back to struggling to block again. 

The Steelers Offense Couldn't Get It Done Against The Browns

After the game quarterback, Kenny Pickett told the media that there were some miscommunications with the offense, especially with Johnson. Pickett threw the ball more than once to areas of the field where no one in Black and Gold could be found. 

There is no denying that Browns Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz executed an excellent plan to minimize the weapons the Steelers have on offense such as George Pickens. Schwartz ran a zone defense against Pittsburgh and it was frustrating to watch the Steelers fail to respond. Instead of adapting after the first half, they continued on in the same way and it cost them.  

Regardless of whether it is all on Canada, or if it is on the entire offense as Roethlisberger suggested, the Steelers have to find their resiliency and and aggression. When we find things that work like the aggressive play calling against the Packers or the incredible way Jaylen Warren was running, they need to capitalize upon it. 

Who do you blame for the Steelers loss? Do you think firing Canada does any good? Why don't they stick with what seems to be working? Roethlisberger called the Steelers a playoff team, do you think they have a shot in the post-season? Click to comment below.

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