Most of the news coming out of the Pittsburgh Steelers locker room the last two days has been about the defense and Minkah Fitzpatrick signing a record breaking contract extension. Steelers fans everywhere know that the defense is the main reason why the team slipped into the playoffs in 2021.
The offense, however, will be the key component in being more competitive throughout the 2022 season. It all starts with Matt Canada in his second year as the offensive coordinator. It was argued that he should be fired after his first year as the play-caller, but he will get one more chance this upcoming season.
The first part of the offense that is so important to look at is the quarterback position. It is possible that the offense last year was strictly to fit the abilities, or lack of, from Ben Roethlisberger at 39 years old. The veteran quarterback lacked mobility and arm strength in his last two seasons following serious elbow surgery. This is the main reason that Canada was reluctant to make changes to a sputtering offense in 2021.
We shouldn't expect the same offense with either Mitch Trubisky or Kenny Pickett as the signal-caller. Canada should open up the playbook and if he doesn't early on, it will be evident that he is not right for the job. A quarterback having the ability to extend the play is important in today's NFL.
Pittsburgh Steelers Quarterback Coach Matt Canada at Heinz Field during the Steelers 2020 Training Camp, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Steelers offense has the young weapons to be successful
Pickett has a past connection with Canada from his recruiting process and the rookie quarterback acknowledged that he is able to do what the offensive coordinator wants in a quarterback.
More Pickett on working w Matt Canada-"I feel like I do all of the great things that he wants. That’s why he recruited me for his offense. I feel like that’s why I’m in Pittsburgh now again. I can’t wait to get into it and obsess over the playbook.”
— 93.7 The Fan (@937theFan) April 29, 2022
Canada has a ton of young weapons on offense. There will be fresh legs in the huddle at every position and the offense adds dynamic wide receivers George Pickens and Calvin Austin III. The personnel has a ton of talent and if Canada adapts to whoever is starting at the quarterback position, there is no reason to not believe that the unit will turn heads this season after plenty of doubt in 2021.
The Steelers offense has been incredibly predictable the last few years even before Canada was in charge. That predictability could change if Canada revamps the play-calling and catches opposing defenses by surprise early on. While the offense has plenty of potential playmakers, the utilization of Najee Harris will be crucial. As of now, the team doesn't have a trustworthy backup running back. If Harris is going to get 400 or more touches for a second straight year, he might as well be the focal point for the offense.
Pittsburgh Steelers Running Back Najee Harris(22) participates in Organized Team Activities (OTAs) Tuesday May 31, 2022 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. (Abigail Dean/Pittsburgh Steelers)
Canada will use Harris' abilities in his sophomore season by going right to him, but also by using him as a decoy. The potential for a successful play-action has not existed in Pittsburgh since Le'Veon Bell was carrying the ball. The option could very well be there this year as long as the offensive line shows improvement. Not to mention, a more mobile quarterback having the ability to make plays on the run and with his legs could open up a whole new part of the playbook.
It all comes down to the quarterback. Steelers fans everywhere love Roethlisberger for what he gave the city of Pittsburgh for nearly two decades. The page has turned and fresh legs will be taking snaps. Canada no longer has to be conservative and force a quick release out of the signal caller's hand. No matter who it is, expect Canada to change course in 2022 and have a more dynamic, creative and effective offense.
Do you believe that Canada could bounce back this season and turn the Steelers into a dangerous offense? Let us know in the comments below!
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