The Pittsburgh Steelers head into a Week 5 matchup against the Buffalo Bills in uncharted territory. The team is starting a rookie quarterback in Kenny Pickett and they just so happen to be taking on one of, if not, the best team(s) in the AFC. The offense for the Steelers clearly was out of sync with Mitch Trubisky leading the way and when he was benched last Sunday against the New York Jets, the rookie came in and provided a spark. Offensive coordinator, Matt Canada spoke to the media today as he usually does on Thursdays and discussed the change and more.
Steelers offensive coordinator, Matt Canada on the field at a practice during 2022 training camp. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
The biggest takeaway is what most Steelers fans don't want to hear as the criticism of Canada's play calls has been consistent since he was promoted to lead the offense last year. He doesn't expect much to change with that aspect when Pickett is the quarterback.
"I don't think we saw a huge difference in the plays in the second half [against the Jets] when Kenny was in there as far as the play calls. I don't think you're going to see a drastic difference. We all have to be better. We gotta score more points. It was disappointing last week."
There may be some small tweaks such as route changes, but in terms of the play-calling, Canada expects it to remain pretty similar to what it was with Trubisky.
"We try to do what guys like to do, but we're going to focus on what everyone does well we hope. That might be tweaks here, a route that Mitch liked and Kenny likes different[ly], but big picture it's going to be the same things. We just have to execute better and play better all the way around."
Steelers starting quarterback, Kenny Pickett (#8) prepares to take a snap at Acrisure Stadium in his first regular season action against the New York Jets on Oct. 2, 2022. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
The offense coordinator acknowledged once again this week that his unit has not played up to their standards and a lot more needs to be done if they want to be as effective as they strive to be.
"Obviously, we just have to continue to play better. I know Coach [Mike Tomlin] talked to you guys [the media] before. It's our offense. We're not scoring enough points."
He was clear in saying that the decision to bring in Pickett in the second half against the Jets was not solely because of poor play by Trubisky.
"We make the change, but it's not all a reflection of quarterback play."
Steelers quarterback, Mitch Trubisky (#10) prepares to make a throw at Acrisure Stadium in the first half against the New York Jets on Oct. 2, 2022. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Canada was very complimentary of Pickett and his competitive nature. He is excited to watch him lead the offense.
"We all know Kenny. Kenny's a competitive guy, he's a great leader, he enjoys it, he loves to compete, student of the game. I don't know if that's unique, but that's just who Kenny is."
As everyone expected, Trubisky did not receive the reps this week and it was 100% Pickett as he prepares to make his first career NFL start.
"Since camp he hasn't gotten as many reps, so certainly that's a little bit of a disadvantage coming in last week like he did, but that's part of being in the seat that he was in. But, he's gotten all of the reps this week and we expect him to play well."
Do you want Canada to change up the offensive play calls with Pickett at the helm, or keep it pretty similar to what it has been the last year or so? Let us know in the comments below!
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