Steelers' Calvin Austin Reveals The Quarterback Situation Was A Big Issue In 2023

The Pittsburgh Steelers operated one of the worst offenses in the league during the 2023 season. A lot of that had to do with inconsistent quarterback play, as well as the incompetence of Matt Canada. The offense's struggles led to Canada being fired in the middle of the season, which is something the Steelers organization never does. Under Canada, the offense never really seemed to hit it's stride, and never found its rhythm. 

Canada wasn't the only person to blame. Kenny Pickett struggled as well and it hurt the offense for Pittsburgh. They ranked near the bottom of the league in yards and points, and a lot of that had to do with the play-calling and Pickett. Calvin Austin III, who played his first NFL game in 2023, recently spoke about the Steelers’ offensive struggles during a radio appearance on ESPN. 

"It did make things a little difficult. Just because when you go through three quarterbacks, no matter what team you are, it's gonna be some ups and downs. It was just difficult because the offense, we didn't really catch our rhythm until probably the last four games of the season."

Pickett was the unquestioned starter going into the 2023 season, but he suffered an ankle injury late in the season against the Arizona Cardinals. This led to Mitch Trubisky starting; he struggled after two games and Mike Tomlin decided to start Mason Rudolph until Pickett was back to full health. Pickett never came back, as Rudolph played better than anything the Steelers have seen at the position since prime Ben Roethlisberger. 

Fans knew during the 2023 season that Pickett and Canada were the problems, but no one from the Steelers organization would admit that. Players always took the blame for not executing, when in reality Pickett and Canada were dragging the offense down. Austin shared more during his interview about how the Steelers didn't hit their stride offensively until both Canada and Pickett were out of the picture.

"With offense, that's the most important thing, is rhythm. Once we started clicking, things started flowing. I think the continuity and the rhythm, we had to get that down pat. It just made it difficult for the entire offense, and for anybody to just truly thrive. But once we got the quarterback situation and everything settled, I think we started playing some of our best ball."

Pittsburgh finished the regular season 3-0 while Rudolph started at quarterback. The offense averaged nearly 24 points per game, which led to the Steelers clinching the final playoff spot in the AFC. This came after Canada was fired, and Rudolph retained the starting quarterback job even after Pickett returned to full health. 

It's hard for any team to hit their stride during the last three games of the regular season. But, Pittsburgh was able to see what they can without Pickett, which could have been a factor in deciding to trade him away and upgrade the position. 

Steelers Will See A Major Upgrade On Offense In 2024

Pittsburgh is going into the 2024 season planning to make some noise on offense. They upgraded the quarterback position with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, and also signed one of the better offensive coordinators in the league in Arthur Smith. Smith is coming off of some unsuccessful years as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, but he was one of the best coordinators in the league when he was with the Tennessee Titans.

The Steelers added experience to the quarterback position with Wilson. He has won in the NFL, which is something Pittsburgh hasn't had at quarterback since Roethlisberger retired. Wilson is expected to start the 2024 season, and Fields will be behind him on the bench. Even if Wilson struggles, the offense will look better than it did with Pickett and Canada.

What do you think of Austin's recent comments? Let us know in the comments below!

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