Steelers' Mason Cole Detailed How Offense Shares Responsibility For Matt Canada's Departure: "We All Had A Hand In [His] Firing"

The Pittsburgh Steelers secured a crucial victory on the road, defeating their divisional rivals, the Cincinnati Bengals, 16-10, in a big Week 12 matchup. The win propelled the Steelers to a 7-4 record on the season, marking a significant turning point for an offense that had been under intense scrutiny in recent weeks. Notably, this game marked the first time in 58 outings that the Steelers' offense exceeded 400 or more yards of total offense.

Despite Steelers quarterback, Kenny Pickett passing for an impressive 278 yards, the absence of passing touchdowns remains a bit of a concern. However, the performance of the Steelers' offense showed promising signs of improvement. Pickett's pass chart revealed a notable shift, with more passes delivered over the middle of the field, which was a welcomed adjustment according to many Steelers fans who had been advocating for such changes throughout the season.

Pickett displayed increased composure in the pocket and had a solid overall performance. It's essential to acknowledge that the Bengals' defense, while formidable in some aspects, has struggled in 2023. Nevertheless, the Steelers' offense showed promising glimpses, offering fans legitimate reasons for optimism. 

However, one glaring aspect that cannot be overlooked is the offense's struggle to convert yardage into points, with only 16 points scored, including a lone Najee Harris touchdown. While the improvement is evident, the Steelers must aim to find the end zone more frequently and reduce a heavy reliance on field goals.

A significant storyline leading up to the game was the performance of the Steelers' offense under the interim leadership of Eddie Faulkner and Mike Sullivan, who took over as offensive coordinator and play-caller, respectively, following the firing of Matt Canada. After the game, Steelers center, Mason Cole addressed the media and provided insights into the team's mindset and response to Canada's dismissal.

"I think we all looked at each other and knew. We got to play for each other. We all had a hand in Matt’s firing. We didn’t play well enough for him to keep his job. We had to make it right with the guys in this room."

While honorable to take some kind of accountability for the poor performance of the offense, moving the ball prior to Week 12 seemed like a chore. On Sunday, Pittsburgh's offense proved it can be a fun group to watch.

Steelers Offensive Improvement

The Steelers' offense displayed notable improvement under the guidance of Faulkner and Sullivan. While the transition might not have been seamless, the team exhibited a renewed sense of purpose and unity. The increased gained yardage and a more diversified passing game are positive indicators, suggesting that the changes implemented in the coaching staff may be having a positive impact already.

Another significant contributor to the Steelers' offensive resurgence was tight end, Pat Freiermuth. Freiermuth had a massive game on Sunday, catching nine passes for 120 yards. His involvement in the passing game added a dynamic element to the offense, providing Pickett with a reliable target and contributing substantially to the team's offensive yardage.

Pickett's Progress

Pickett's performance in the game indicated a step in the right direction. The increased calmness in the pocket and the willingness to target the middle of the field showcased Pickett's adaptability and responsiveness to coaching adjustments. However, the challenge remains for Pickett and the offense to convert promising drives into more points on the scoreboard.

Steelers In The Playoff Picture

As the Steelers find themselves in the fifth spot in the AFC and holding a wild card playoff spot, the path to the postseason became clearer. The upcoming schedule includes matchups against the Arizona Cardinals, New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, Seattle Seahawks, Bengals and Baltimore Ravens... games that are all pivotal when it comes to the Steelers' playoff aspirations. The Steelers must build on the positive aspects of their recent performance while addressing the red zone efficiency to secure more decisive victories.

Cole's acknowledgment of the collective responsibility within the team reflects a mature and self-aware approach. The Steelers have taken the first steps toward rectifying offensive struggles, and the challenge now lies in sustaining and building upon this momentum. 

As the team inches closer to the postseason, unity and a shared commitment to improvement will be crucial factors in determining their success. The Steelers have answered the bell; now, they must continue to play for each other and make every effort to secure a playoff berth.

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