Steelers' Kenny Pickett Releases Devastating Statement On Offensive Changes

The Pittsburgh Steelers made waves in the football world with the abrupt firing of Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada on Tuesday morning. While members of Steeler Nation have been vocal about the need to part ways with Canada for several years now, the Steelers, known for their stability, rarely make such abrupt changes. 

However, there comes a point when even the Steelers say "enough is enough," leading to the decision to move forward with Eddie Faulkner and Mike Sullivan. Faulkner will step into the role of interim offensive coordinator, while Sullivan takes charge of calling the plays.

With Canada out of the picture, the spotlight now shifts to Head Coach Mike Tomlin and second-year quarterback, Kenny Pickett, as the Steelers aim to salvage their offensive struggles. This Steelers team is just an above average offense away from being legit Super Bowl contenders. 

A Troubled Offense

As the Steelers bid farewell to Canada, questions abound regarding the future direction of the team's offense. The unit currently languishes in the lower echelons of NFL offenses, prompting concerns among fans and pundits alike. Pickett, in particular, has faced criticism for the team's inability to generate passing touchdowns, and without Canada as a scapegoat, the scrutiny intensifies on both the quarterback and Coach Tomlin.

With the firing of Canada, the pressure is squarely on Tomlin and Pickett to steer the ship in the right direction. The Steelers find themselves at a critical juncture in the season, sitting at a 6-4 record with crucial matchups against the Bengals twice, Cardinals, Colts, Patriots, Seahawks and Ravens on the horizon. Each game is pivotal, and the team must rally quickly to secure a playoff berth.

Kenny Pickett Speaks Out

In response to the coaching shake-up, Pickett addressed members of the Steelers media on Wednesday, shedding light on the team's approach moving forward. According to Joe Rutter, Pickett emphasized continuity in offensive strategy.

"You can't have wholesale changes at this point. We're going to run the system we've been using." 

This statement suggests a commitment to the existing playbook and a focus on refining existing strategies rather than implementing a complete overhaul. While implementing substantial changes midway through the season is challenging, it's crucial to recognize that persisting with the exact same offensive approach appears futile.

Acknowledging the Change

While discussing the departure of Canada, Pickett expressed a mix of sentiments. Emily Giangreco reported Pickett's thoughts on the firing, quoting him saying that at the end of the day, they have to do better. 

"Obviously, I got the news when everybody else got the news. You hate to see it; you don't want to see one of your coaches lose their job. We have to do better." 

Pickett's acknowledgment of the need for improvement underscores the gravity of the situation and the responsibility he feels as a key player on the team.

Steelers Offense Will Determine Fate of the Season

With postseason aspirations still very much alive, Pickett's leadership and ability to adapt within the existing offensive framework will be critical in determining the team's success in the remaining contests. The Steelers cannot afford missteps, and the quarterback's on-field decisions will be under increased scrutiny. 

Despite facing adversity and injuries, the Steelers' defense has proven to be formidable. However, the team's success hinges on the performance of the offense. If Pickett can consistently achieve 250+ passing yards and throw for 2 touchdowns per game, the Steelers transform into legitimate contenders. On the other hand, if the offense maintains its current trajectory, the team may struggle to secure a playoff spot and faces the risk of an early exit in the postseason.

The Path Forward

As the Steelers embark on this new chapter without Canada, the resilience of the team will be tested. Pickett's commitment to sticking with the current offensive system suggests a belief in its potential success. Whether this strategy pays off remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the Steelers cannot afford complacency. The coming weeks will be a true test of the team's mettle, and Steeler Nation eagerly awaits to see how Pickett and the revamped offensive strategy, or lack thereof, will fare in the crucible of NFL competition.

The firing of Canada marks a significant moment in the Steelers' season, prompting introspection and a reevaluation of offensive strategies. As Pickett shoulders the responsibility of leading the team through this transition, the eyes of Steelers fans and the football world will be keenly focused on how the quarterback navigates the challenges ahead. The journey is fraught with uncertainties, but the Steelers' fate hangs in the balance, awaiting the outcome of this critical juncture in the 2023 NFL season.

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