The Pittsburgh Steelers orchestrated a surprising offensive revival in Week 12, breaking a 58-game streak of failing to surpass 400+ yards of offense in a single game. The potential catalyst for this transformation? The abrupt departure of Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada.
%202023%20Camp%20Final%20with%20Logos/2L9A7734-544x306.jpg "Steelers Matt Canada")
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Former Pittsburgh Steelers Offensive Coordinator, Matt Canada stares into the distance as the team practices during 2023 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
In a crucial matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Steelers secured a 16-10 victory, sparking a glimmer of optimism for the team's offensive production.
New Era Without Canada
The news of Canada's firing was met with enthusiasm by Steeler Nation, who hoped for a change in the offensive dynamics. In the absence of Canada as the offensive play-caller, quarterback Kenny Pickett stepped up, throwing for 278 yards and completing an impressive 72.7% of his passes. The Steelers' electric running back, Jaylen Warren, emphasized the importance of enhanced communication and a willingness to take risks in the revised offensive strategy.
"More communication and more, I don’t know how to say this without being too explicit, but more willingness to take shots. Taking more risks."
Warren's remarks hinted at a perceived lack of risk-taking under Canada's offensive scheme, with the team now looking to address this issue under new leadership.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren had another wonderful performance in Week 11 of 2023, but it was wasted in an ugly loss.
Insight into the Steelers' Decision
Insider insights from Pro Football Network's Adam Caplan shed light on the reasons behind Canada's firing. According to multiple league sources, concerns with Canada's offensive scheme included an over-reliance on college concepts, poor spacing, a lack of an intermediate passing game, and an overall absence of identity. However, the most significant issue highlighted was the lack of development from second-year quarterback Pickett.
"The biggest problem was the lack of development from second-year QB Kenny Pickett, who team sources said had 'an outstanding offseason.' But once the season started, sources said from game-tape evaluation that Pickett’s arm-strength issue returned, and he wasn’t 'driving the ball down the field' and 'he wasn’t playing with a lot of confidence.'"
Caplan's breakdown suggests that the Steelers organization, initially optimistic about Pickett's progress during the offseason, grew concerned about his performance once the regular season commenced.
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Steelers quarterback, Kenny Pickett (left) and Head Coach Mike Tomlin (right).
The Steelers were not going to move on from Pickett without seeing him operate under a new offensive coordinator. Letting go of Canada will now allow the Steelers organization a better opportunity to evaluate Pickett from a different vantage point going forward.
A Glimpse of the Future
The Steelers' offensive output against the Bengals, while promising, also highlighted areas for improvement. Despite accumulating over 400 yards of total offense, the team managed only one touchdown. Success in the red zone will be a focal point for the evolving offense. Pickett's more liberated and confident play, coupled with increased involvement of tight end Pat Freiermuth, signaled positive steps forward.
Steelers Offense Next Challenge Awaits
As the Steelers transition into a new offensive era, the true test awaits them in upcoming matchups, particularly against the Arizona Cardinals. With a record of 7-4 and sitting in second place in the AFC North, the Steelers have an opportunity to solidify their playoff hopes. A victory over the Cardinals, who recently conceded 37 points to the Los Angeles Rams, would provide a clearer picture of the potential of this reinvigorated Steelers offense. Scoring just one touchdown against this Cardinals team could signify that the Steelers offensive issues have not been solved.
In the aftermath of Canada's departure, Steelers fans find themselves cautiously optimistic, hopeful that the offensive woes of the past can be rectified under the guidance of new coordinators. The Steelers' journey towards a postseason berth continues, and only time will reveal the impact of the recent changes on their quest for Super Bowl contention.
What are your thoughts on Caplan's remarks? Be sure to comment below!
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