The Pittsburgh Steelers downslide is in full effect. Reminiscent of the loss to the Buffalo Bills a few weeks ago, the Steelers got decimated once again on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles. Most specifically, the offense continued to show virtually zero signs of life.
Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
The team's supposed No. 1 wideout, Diontae Johnson signed a pricey contract extension before the season. So far in 2022, he has yet to live up to that $18+ million per year deal. Some of the issues haven't been on him, as the quarterbacks have struggled and he's dealing with an inept offensive coordinator in Matt Canada. With that being said, Johnson hasn't performed to the best of his abilities.
He's also let his emotions show a bit too much on the field at times. Johnson often times doesn't hide his feelings in the public either. On Monday, he hinted at just what's going on with the offense at the moment:
"We just gotta play better. Y'all obviously know whats wrong," Johnson said to media via SteelersNow on Monday. "I don't wanna get into specific details on [what the problem is], I just do what the coaches tell us."
Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
Anyone can speculate what he means by this. Early in the season, it was clear how frustrated he was with veteran quarterback, Mitch Trubisky. That boiled into a reported argument that took place between the two at halftime against the New York Jets. Trubisky can't be the excuse for Johnson's frustrations now though, as rookie Kenny Pickett has now started the last four games for the black and gold. The results have been much of the same with Pickett, as he's thrown eight interceptions along with just two touchdowns.
It's purely speculative at this point, but Johnson's comments are pretty obviously directed toward Canada. As the season has progressed, there seems to be a growing frustration with Canada within the Steelers organization. Rightfully so, as the offense has continuously somehow gotten worse under him, as he's in his second season as OC. Fans have become more than irritated with his playcalling and lack of creativity, as it seems inevitable this will be his last season in Pittsburgh.
The team is now officially on their bye week and if there's a time to fire Canada, it would be right now. If they don't do it by the end of the week, changes won't come until after the season. Quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan would likely step in as the temporary offensive coordinator if Canada were indeed fired. Again, it's quite unlikely considering how the Steelers organization runs things.
Steelers' Kenny Pickett works with quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan in preparation for the Buffalo Bills. | Credit: Abigail Dean/Pittsburgh Steelers
It's becoming more clear that Canada is losing the locker room, including his skill position players. Johnson, Chase Claypool, and Najee Harris have all voiced their frustrations over the last few weeks. Even Pickett hinted at his displeasure with Canada when speaking to the media after Sunday's loss. A lot of it has to do with his refusal to throw the ball deep, which had everyone talking before last week's game.
What are your thoughts on these comments by Johnson? Do you think he was talking about Canada or someone/something else? Share your opinions and thoughts in the comment section below, as well as on our social media sites, yinz!
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