Steelers' reluctance to change key title may cost them on offense in 2023
If the Pittsburgh Steelers want to right the wrongs of last season and return to the playoffs in 2023, they will have to do better offensively. More separation from the wideouts, better yards after contact from the backs, safer protection from the offensive line, and quicker processing from the quarterback all come to mind. But […]
If the Pittsburgh Steelers want to right the wrongs of last season and return to the playoffs in 2023, they will have to do better offensively.
More separation from the wideouts, better yards after contact from the backs, safer protection from the offensive line, and quicker processing from the quarterback all come to mind.
But what if I told you the man that holds the keys to the biggest jump in the development of the offense won't even put on a jersey?
During a recent episode of Pro Football Focuses NFL Show, Sam Monson, and Steve Palazzolo combed over the potential breakout candidates for the 2023 season. And while what Monson had to say about the Steelers' potential was flattering, he quickly hedged his bet due to one name:
Steelers offensive coordinator Matt Canada.
"The thing that scares me is the coaching staff, the coaching setup, the scheme," said Monson in regards to hedging the Steelers' offensive breakout candidates.
"If they had made a change this offseason and if we were talking about them as the team that had brought in Kellen Moore (Chargers offseason hire at offensive coordinator), for example, just to name a name, you would be confidently predicting breakouts for Kenny Pickett and George Pickens, along with functional roles for guys like Calvin Austin III even if it's a sort of situational or specific scheme thing," added Monson.
"You would think we're gonna see these great seasons for Steelers players across the board but they didn't change anything from the scheme last year that felt like it was holding these guys back already," said Monson. "So that just makes you… I don't know if you can say "Tap the brakes on them" because there are still the obvious breakout candidates but it just damages your confidence that they're going to actually achieve that."
And while Monson's message may be slicing to the ears, he is very much accurate in his narrative. The lack of answers for the Steelers offense last season held them back as much if not more than the offensive line, inconsistent pass catchers or rookie quarterback.
Those aforementioned variables have all seen a considerable upgrade to their respective unit, with experience alone generating optimism for Kenny Pickett.
Yet the man captaining the ship has stayed the same.
But unless the Steelers want to go overboard again this season, Matt Canada had better find his sea legs this fall.
Steelers Super Bowl champion Clark Haggans passes away at 46
The former fifth-round pick played eight years in Pittsburgh.
Featured image via: © Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
