There has been a lack of optimism with the Pittsburgh Steelers offense for the last two years with offensive coordinator, Matt Canada, running the unit. Many wanted and some expected the organization to fire him during the team's bye week, but no changes were made and the team is dead last in passing touchdowns, 29th in touchdowns and total yards while being 28th in total points scored. Those numbers are far from encouraging, but after two straight weeks of 24+ points, it is worth asking the question if Canada can save his job the last month and a half of the regular season.
Steelers' Kenny Pickett (#8) and offensive coordinator Matt Canada work on the game plan in preparation for the New Orleans Saints in Pittsburgh, PA. | Credit: Abigail Dean/Pittsburgh Steelers
When the play-caller was promoted from quarterbacks coach to run the offense at the end of the 2020 season, he signed a three-year contract which would lead to the possibility of him being retained and given one more season with rookie quarterback, Kenny Pickett in 2023. Head coach, Mike Tomlin and Canada have ties with the University of Maryland as do the current starting quarterback and his coordinator dating back to when he recruited him to the University of Pittsburgh.
The Steelers have rushed for 635 yards in their last four games which has completely changed how the offense has looked the last month or so. In what began as a refusal to hand the ball off, Pickett has been taking care of the ball much better, specifically in the team's last three games. The rookie has not turned it over once during a 2-1 stretch and a significantly better rushing attack has opened up more possibilities, including a dose of play-action in recent weeks. Pittsburgh also holds a rather simple remaining schedule which could lead to positive offensive production.
Steelers' Benny Snell Jr. (#24) celebrates his first touchdown of the 2022 season after a third down goal-line carry against the Indianapolis Colts. | Credit: Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers
Perhaps the most impressive offensive showing of the year came against the Indianapolis Colts and not because Pickett threw for just 174 yards. Four different players rushed for over 30 yards which was led by Benny Snell Jr. carrying the ball 12 times for 62 yards and a touchdown. A ton of pressure was lifted off of the first-year signal-caller who only had to attempt 28 passes and calmly ran an efficient offense.
How can Canada feel better about his job security over the next month and a half? While he is still most certainly on the hot seat, the last two weeks see an offense trending in the right direction. If Pickett continues to get better, the rushing attack becomes the strength of the offense and the team can finally get away from dreadful runs on second and long, it's not as far fetched as many may think for Tomlin to decide that he deserves one more season. That, of course, would be a nightmare for Steelers' fans who have wanted him gone for some time now.
PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 18: Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during the game against the New England Patriots at Acrisure Stadium on September 18, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Canada's future as a coordinator in the NFL may be over after a short stint following the 2022 season. He does, however have several games left to try and prove his schemes and worth to the organization. Come January, Tomlin will have to make a decision and not firing him during the bye week proves that he wanted to give his buddy the rest of the year to save his job heading into 2023.
Do you think Canada has any chance of saving his job and being retained for next year? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
