Okay, It Might Be Matt Canada
Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Yinzers far and wide should hold on to a sentiment shared by Mike Tomlin during the post-game press conference after Monday night’s outing against the Browns of Cleveland. “We aren’t going to apologize for winning,” he said with a straight face after an ugly injury-filled Monday night AFC North showdown. Tomlin has every right to feel that way, especially considering the global perspective of his team.
TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith are solidifying themselves as a top-three edge rushing duo both in the 2023 season and in Steelers history. Watt passed James Harrison’s all-time sack record and he’s currently stacking sacks at a rate that could lead to him obliterating his NFL single-season sack record. Watt thanked the crowd during his post-game presser, acknowledging the impact the fans had on Deshaun Watson and the Brown’s offense.
It all makes sense. There are no style points in the NFL. But I suspect there’s another member of the Steeler’s locker room that isn’t quite as okay with the “ugly” or as grateful for the noise coming from the sea of Terrible Towels. His name: Mr. Matt Canada.
Before I go any further, this isn’t the hit piece on Canada I was planning to write after the first quarter in Pittsburgh Monday night. It isn’t the piece I was planning to write after the offense accrued -7 YARDS IN THE FOURTH QUARTER. At that point, I was thinking to myself that if they could just bring in Byron Leftwich, the Steelers could find themselves back on the straight and narrow. But a drastic move of that nature just doesn’t seem like it’s going to happen, and so why bother?
On the other hand, it is up to Canada to change this narrative and change it fast. Buzz words and phrases like “agenda” and “staying on schedule” have been used by prominent figures on the Steelers since the epic beat down by the 49ers. The problem is, that there doesn’t seem to be much of a schedule or agenda that’s been agreed upon in the first place.
The Steelers started off the game with three throws on the first three plays. Yet they have repeatedly spoken about establishing the run. Meanwhile, the team rushed for 55 yards, most of which came in the third quarter. Many of the early plays didn’t even pose the threat of a run, with Pickett in shotgun with no backs at his side. There isn’t even the guise of the run game, and yet it’s been the focal point of the offense for two seasons.
In fairness, Canada is trying to attack the middle of the field more, but Kenny isn’t helping him out with his arm. He was errant, and often behind his receivers, leaving the potential for yards after catch– if the ball was catchable– highly unlikely. The place where Pickett isn’t a reasonable scapegoat, though, is when the offense has actually begun to sustain drives. On multiple occasions, the Steelers began to find rhythm only to be followed up by inexplicable play calls. One of a coordinators biggest responsibilities is developing rhythm. A play caller needs to call plays that keep his guys moving and the defense reeling regardless of his desire to show off scheme or trickery. There was a point where the Steelers had executed multiple legitimate runs through the middle of the field by both Najee Harris and Warren. As the shift in momentum seemed eminent, it was immediately halted by a reverse to the short side of the field with Pat Frieurmutth pulling and one receiver to block. It didn’t end well. How’s that for staying on schedule?
Different– but not really– was the inexplicable designed run for Kenny Pickett on 3rd and manageable. It feels as if Matt Canada’s seat is getting so toasty that in his effort to keep defenses off of his trail, he’s confusing his own offense and seemingly himself.
I’ve always believed that rants and hard opinions require a call to action. Twice now I’ve asked that fans give it a rest and see how it plays out. A small part of me still feels that way, but ultimately, Matt Canada needs to stop getting in the way of his offense and allow them to establish an identity. Steelers fans will respect the commitment to the run, if it happens, just as they will work to run Canada out of town if he doesn’t quit the cute stuff. It’s time to bring it back to gold ol’ fashion Steeler’s football.
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