The Pittsburgh Steelers have one of the worst offenses in the NFL after the first four weeks of the season. Amid growing frustrations in Pittsburgh, it appears the looming changes coming to the offense won’t be the ones fans want to see.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin promoted Canada to offensive coordinator in 2021 after he served as the team’s quarterbacks coach the prior season. Before joining the Steelers in 2020, Canada’s only coaching experience came from over two decades spent at the collegiate level.
Related: Latest update on Pittsburgh Steelers QB Kenny Pickett
- Pittsburgh Steelers offense stats: 15.5 points per game (25th), 4.6 yards per play (27th), 36.21% third-down conversion rate (21st), 205.3 gross passing yards per game (24th), 7.69% sack rate (20th in NFL)
However, Canada’s success in college hasn’t translated to the highest level. Since becoming Pittsburgh’s play-caller, the Steelers have had one of the NFL’s worst offenses in two consecutive seasons and the play-calling has fallen behind at a time when many NFL teams are becoming more modern.
Following Sunday’s loss to the Houston Texans, TOmlin announced that changes are coming. While that might’ve gotten some fans excited, it appears the move most want to see Pittsburgh make isn’t even on the table right now.
According to Andrew Fillipponi of 937 The Fan, Matt Canada will remain the offensive play-caller in Pittsburgh for Sunday’s upcoming game against the Baltimore Ravens. Despite Tomlin’s comments, the organization reportedly isn’t making any changes to the offensive hierarchy.
In some ways, there’s logic behind the decision to keep Canada another Week. Even with his potential replacement likely coming from inside the organization, going through that transition would be difficult with only three days to practice. However, there might be an opportunity in the near future.
Why the Pittsburgh Steelers offense won’t get any better in Week 5
Already entering NFL games today near the bottom of the league in nearly every offensive statistic, things are likely going to get even worse for the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 5.
Diontae Johnson and Pat Freiermuth won’t be available for Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens. It takes away two proven and trusted offensive weapons, making coverage on George Pickens easier and limiting what Pittsburgh can do.
That’s not the only problem the Steelers have. While Kenny Pickett has been one of the worst starting quarterbacks in the NFL this year, he’s a definitive upgrade over Mitchell Trubisky. However, Pickett suffered a knee injury and Week 4 and is viewed as unlikely to play on Sunday.
Pickett’s absence would mean starting Trubisky without two proven offensive weapons who could at least be check-down options for him when pressured. Instead, Trubiskly could be under duress for much of Sunday’s game behind an offensive line that has allowed the fourth-most pressures (61) in the NFL this season.
If the Steelers’ offense struggles again, it could be the final straw for Tomlin with Canada. Pittsburgh has a Week 6 bye, providing a two-week window for a new offensive coordinator ti make the necessary changes and begin implementing his system before the Steelers return to action.