It was high time the Steelers showed their offensive coordinator Matt Canada the door. This decision should have been made much sooner, but let’s not think that their offensive problems have suddenly disappeared as if by magic.
• Also read: NFL: Jets offense hits historic lows
When a coordinator loses their job, it’s usually not a big story. However, in Pittsburgh everything is different.
The organization has trained fans to consistently show patience and stick with their staff even when everything falls apart.
The proof of this is that Matt Canada was the first coach or coordinator to lose his job with the Steelers in the middle of the season since 1941. Of course that never happens!
Recently, Canada had become a popular destination in Pittsburgh. To the point where Penguins fans demanded his head in the middle of a hockey game.
Normally the Steelers don’t give in to popular pressure, but this time the criticism came from within. After the loss against the Browns on Sunday, carrier Najee Harris also vented his anger.
“How long is this shit going to last? You can all say that we have a good record [6-4]“But a win like this year won’t get us anywhere,” he complained.
Najee Harris, limited to three touchdowns and 3.9 yards per carry this season, wasn’t shy about criticizing the offensive philosophy. Getty Images via AFP
Recurring problems
Since Canada took over in 2021, the Steelers have slipped from 21st to 28th in points scored and from 23rd to 28th in yards rushing with four different quarterbacks.
In the 44 games in which Canada led the offense, the Steelers had the fifth-worst points per game average (17.9). The offense never exceeded the 400-yard mark. Not once!
Every other team in the NFL had at least four 400-yard games during that period, the average being 10. Canada’s presence was no longer justifiable and the Steelers abused their own values by advocating excessive patience in his case.
Last year, Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt even went so far as to say that the Steelers liked to run the same offensive plays over and over again.
The worst part is that the Steelers have won six games this fall despite the offense being stagnant. However, the recipe may not last.
Not the only culprit
Kenny Pickett has had some issues since arriving in the NFL last season. Getty Images via AFP
With the fall guy gone, will the Steelers suddenly regain their offensive composure? With Kenny Pickett at quarterback, there is room for doubt.
It may be harsh or even premature to make such a statement about a second-year center, but Pickett shows nothing encouraging. He seems to be allergic to long passes and rarely exploits the midfield.
In 22 starts, last year’s first-round pick has thrown just 13 touchdown passes and is averaging just 179 yards per game. A more creative mind than his offensive coordinator of the last two seasons can help him thrive, but to what extent?
Some will say that the Ravens, sworn enemies of the Steelers, opted for a similar strategy in 2012 by firing their offensive coordinator despite a 9-3 record. Then they found their rhythm and ran to conquer the Super Bowl.
The main difference is that Joe Flacco was at the peak of his career at the time and was one of the best deep passing quarterbacks. To get there, Pickett has to come out of his shell and not just be there.
However, there are weapons among the Steelers. George Pickens appears to be full of talent, but is all too often ignored. Diontae Johnson has all the makings of a good second receiver. Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris form a good tandem when the latter wakes up.
The Steelers have done a good job with Canada, but it’s always easier to throw in the towel when it comes to a coordinator than a first-round quarterback we see as the future of the franchise.
WEEK 12
THURSDAY
MY DECISIONS
- Green Bay near Detroit LIONS
- From Washington to Dallas COWBOYS
- San Francisco to Seattle 49ERS
FRIDAY
MY CHOICE
- Miami at NY Jets DOLPHINS
SUNDAY
MY DECISIONS
- New Orleans to Atlanta (1 p.m.) FALCON
- Pittsburgh to Cincinnati (1 p.m.) STAHLER
- Jacksonville to Houston (1 p.m.) JAGUARS
- Tampa Bay at Indianapolis (1 p.m.) COLTS
- New England at NY Giants (1 p.m.) GIANTS
- Caroline to Tennessee (1 p.m.) TITANS
- LA Rams at Arizona (4:05 p.m.) RAMS
- Cleveland at Denver (4:05 p.m.) BRONCOS
- Kansas City to Las Vegas (4:25 p.m.) Chiefs
- Buffalo at Philadelphia (4:25 p.m.) EAGLE
- Baltimore at LA Chargers (8:20 p.m.) RAVENS
MONDAY
MY CHOICE
- Chicago to Minnesota (8:15 p.m.) VIKINGS
LAST WEEK’S RESULTS: 8 out of 14 (57%)
OVERALL THIS SEASON: 104 out of 164 (63.4%)
THE CHOICES OF NEWSPAPER
New Orleans Saints (5-5) v. Atlanta Falcons (4-6)
MUSIC CHAIR
Desmond Ridder regains his position as starting quarterback. Getty Images via AFP
After losing his job two weeks ago, Desmond Ridder is back as the Falcons’ starting quarterback. It is becoming increasingly difficult to follow this musical chair. For the Saints, everything points to Derek Carr being in his position. He brings more stability than Jameis Winston, even if everything isn’t perfect. What will help Ridder and the Falcons is the loss of cornerback Marshon Lattimore. Plus, the Saints are 20th against the run and the Falcons finally seem inclined to release Bijan Robinson. He will take a leading role.
Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4) v. Cincinnati Bengals (5-5)
TWO CLUBS IN DOUBT
Jaylen Warren takes control of the Steelers backfield. Getty Images via AFP
On the one hand, the Steelers are trying to start offensively on new bases, but Kenny Pickett still raises doubts. On the other hand, the Bengals, who will be without Joe Burrow for the rest of the season, will have to rely on Jake Browning, a quarterback who has only thrown 15 passes in his career. It’s not hard for us to imagine a defensive duel where touchdowns seem to be rarer than a nun’s blasphemy. The difference will come with Steelers running back Jaylen Warren going against a unit that is giving up 138.3 rushing yards per game.
Jacksonville Jaguars (7-3) v. Houston Texans (6-4)
FOR THE FIRST ROW
Trevor Lawrence and Calvin Ridley had success last week. Getty Images via AFP
Imagine if we told you this summer that the Jaguars and Texans would be competing for the top of the South Division at the end of November… We’re here! In the last two weeks, CJ Stroud deviated from his usual habits with six turnovers at his expense, but his other heroic moments helped him out. His opponent Trevor Lawrence showed a strong game on Sunday and no longer appears to be limited by his knee injury. He is 1-4 in his career against the Texans, but the Texans are weak (25th) against the pass.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-6) v. Indianapolis Colts (5-5)
Poorly balanced BUCS
The Bucs’ ground game with Rachaad White is tough. Getty Images via AFP
It’s not easy to see clearly… The Colts score a lot of points, but they also concede a lot of points. Before facing the two woeful offenses of the Panthers and Patriots, they had given up 114 points in three weeks to the respectable offenses of the Saints, Jaguars and Browns. The Buccaneers are doing well offensively, but their rushing attack ranks last at 3.1 yards per carry and is not contributing. They are quickly becoming one-dimensional and have scored 20 points or fewer seven times this season.
New England Patriots (2-8) vs. New York Giants (3-8)
SAD SHOW
Tommy DeVito and the Giants finally had a good game. Getty Images via AFP
The Patriots and Giants have already put on a first-class show. It was in the past, in the past, in the past… Bill Belichick wanted to keep the excitement going all week about who his quarterback would be. Mac Jones may have screwed things up when he said his plan was to be the starter. The Giants return Tommy DeVito and he looked good against the Commanders, but the Patriots are still capable of holding their own defensively despite their miserable season. Sometimes the Giants…
Carolina Panthers (1-9) vs. Tennessee Titans (3-7)
Poor partisans!
Frank Reich is having a difficult first season at the helm of the Panthers. Getty Images via AFP
Please treat yourself to something other than this TV torture! Times are hard enough as it is. The Panthers are regressing from week to week and at this rate will Frank Reich end his first year at the helm? Last Sunday, they posted their worst points total (10) this season, had their lowest total yards gained (187) and gave up the most sacks (7). The Titans are hardly better and protect their rookie quarterback Will Levis poorly, but he must continue to learn.
Los Angeles Rams (4-6) v. Arizona Cardinals (2-9)
ONE WAY RIVALRY
Running back Kyren Williams played well against the Cardinals earlier this season. Getty Images via AFP
It’s tempting to pick the Cardinals knowing that Kyler Murray has been playing pretty well since returning to the game and that Rams receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nakua are nursing injuries. However, they should be present and the Rams will also visibly reconnect with carrier Kyren Williams. He had excellent performances in his last game (158 yards rushing, 1 touchdown) against the Cardinals. The Rams also have the number 1 Cards with 12 wins in the last 14 duels.
Cleveland Browns (7-3) v. Denver Broncos (5-5)
THE WIND IN YOUR SAILS
Pat Surtain II and the Broncos defense have been giving up for several weeks. Getty Images via AFP
Both teams are in good form. The Browns have three straight wins and the Broncos have four straight wins, their first since 2016. The Broncos have forced 12 turnovers in the last three games, while Russell Wilson has thrown seven touchdown passes and no interceptions in his last four disposals. The Browns have won three games without a touchdown pass this season, which isn’t a workable formula. However, their defense deserves a lot of respect. Not easy, this one!
Kansas City Chiefs (7-3) v. Las Vegas Raiders (5-6)
READY TO WAKE UP
After a tough game against the Eagles, Travis Kelce might look better against the Raiders. Getty Images via AFP
The Raiders have been different in a good way since Josh McDaniels left. They show great energy, but it will take more than all the emotion in the world to topple the Chiefs. Even though the latter have problems offensively and have not scored any points in the second half in the last three games, they remain superior to the Raiders with 14 wins in the last 16 duels. It’s a safe bet that Travis Kelce will bounce back after a tough game and the defense will continue to hold the fort.
Buffalo Bills (6-5) vs. Philadelphia Eagles (9-1)
A WHOLE DUEL!
Receiver Khalil Shakir is having a good time lately. Getty Images via AFP
This is a promising matchup and we shouldn’t underestimate the Bills, who are more in survival mode than the Eagles. What’s concerning, however, is that the Bills are 1-4 against Buffalo this season. With Khalil Shakir finally getting going, the Air Raid has a chance against the Eagles, who rank 28th against the pass. The Bills’ air defense is playing well, but injuries abound in the secondary. The Eagles can also abuse a unit located in the middle of the field against the run.
Baltimore Ravens (8-3) v. Los Angeles Chargers (4-6)
THE SAME CHARGERS…
Pilot Brandon Staley finds himself in an ejector seat. Getty Images via AFP
The Chargers appear to be in the midst of the almost annual train derailment. Five of their losses have been by three points or less, and three of the last four losses have been the result of two field goals and a touchdown in the final moments. So close, but so far… If this situation repeats itself, it will be because the team has not learned to win, which is unusual with so much talent. Driver Brandon Staley won’t last long. The loss of tight end Mark Andrews hurts the Ravens. He is a highly respected leader.
Chicago Bears (3-8) v. Minnesota Vikings (6-5)
A MONDAY BETWEEN ENEMIES
Danielle Hunter and the Vikings will try to retain Justin Fields. Getty Images via AFP
The Vikings have lost five games with a turnover this season, tied with the Bills, Patriots and Chargers. Considering they were 11-0 in a situation like this last year! It’s the pendulum swinging back, but the Vikings are still very much alive. The Bears still haven’t beaten the Vikings (0-3) with Justin Fields at quarterback. Against the Mauves, Fields had two turnovers and was limited to 183.7 yards per game. The Bears are last in the NFL in sacks and Joshua Dobbs won’t be pushed.