Steelers’ Matt Canada halts Pittsburgh's hype train
The Pittsburgh Steelers, and more specifically, Kenny Pickett, ended the preseason in terrific fashion. Undefeated, five for five in scoring drives with the first team offense, and a 158.3 passer rating from Pickett, Pittsburgh put the "P" in perfect. But according to offensive coordinator Matt Canada, he's not impressed: "None of It Matters" “I mean, […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers, and more specifically, Kenny Pickett, ended the preseason in terrific fashion.
Undefeated, five for five in scoring drives with the first team offense, and a 158.3 passer rating from Pickett, Pittsburgh put the "P" in perfect.
But according to offensive coordinator Matt Canada, he's not impressed:
"None of It Matters"
“I mean, I think there's positive in going out and doing what we should do, and doing what we've done in practice,” Canada told reporters. “If we didn't do that, we'd all be talking about it. But it doesn't matter until it starts to count for real…
"…I mean nothing we've done counts.”
On one hand, I see where Canada is coming from. Yes, those were exhibition games, and yes the majority of them came against second and third teamers. But if you think the preseason doesn't matter, or predict future performance, think again.
Divisional foe Cinncannti is perhaps the best example of this. Joe Burrow missed the majority of camp and all of the preseason last year and came out throwing five interceptions against Pittsburgh in week one.
Now he would settle in and go on to lead the Bengals to an AFC championship appearance, but the offense didn't really start humming until the second half of week five against Baltimore.
The point is, the preseason does matter, and it does have an influence on the season's start.
Now if Kenny Pickett comes out week one and puts up a dud against the 49ers, they maybe we can agree with Canada.
But I don't think that will happen. So instead, when we look back on the year two leap that Pickett takes, let's make sure we remember when it started.
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