Pittsburgh Steelers Quarterback Kenny Pickett spoke to the press on Tuesday about the 16-13 win over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night. He even threw some compliments toward much-maligned Offensive Coordinator, Matt Canada.
PITTSBURGH, PA - JULY 29: Matt Canada of the Pittsburgh Steelers in action during training camp at Heinz Field on July 29, 2021, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
The winning team scored 16 points the last time the Steelers played the Ravens, but Pittsburgh was on the wrong side of the score that time. This time they did enough to win and while 16 points may not seem like much, those are hard-fought points against a stout Baltimore defense.
The Pittsburgh offense has been consistently showing improvements since the bye week and that trend continued once again. They were able to control the time of possession keeping the ball for 34:14.
Last week Wide Receiver Diontae Johnson said that the Steelers have become “nearly unstoppable” on third down, and once again that was the case, as they went 10 for 16 on third down. They did not have a single three and out. Pittsburgh had 351 yards of offense, with 22 first downs, 153 passing yards and 198 rushing yards.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Inglewood, Calif. (Photo Credit: AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Steelers Pickett Gives Canada Credit
Pickett spoke of how the team just focuses on finding a way to “get it done” in terms of winning games. He went on to say that part of the success came because they were well prepared for playing during those tough road conditions.
“Tougher on the road, communication and you're just kinda a step behind just cause of the noise and dealing with that and not being able to hear eachother. But we had great prep all week, coach just put us in the situation a lot with crowd noise all week. All those extra reps, in-game reps and in-practice reps really came through for us here," Pickett said.
He was asked what the key was to the run game. Pickett gave the offensive line a lot of credit. He also praises Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren for picking up some key blocks.
“The surge off the ball was great. Naj (Najee Harris) and Jay (Jaylen Warren) were setting the blocks up. We hit some jets, getting them running horizontally. And then the backs were able to put their foot on the ground and get vertical. So I think Coach (Matt) Canada called a great game and had us doing different things and kept them on their toes a little bit," Pickett noted.
Canada has taken a lot of criticism for his use of the jet sweep this season but Sunday they only ran one. That one, by Gunner Olszewski, picked up six yards. Instead, they got more creative and even used a quarterback sneak and got inventive with the running backs.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 01: Quarterback Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers throws a touchdown pass against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on January 1, 2023, in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
It is hard to dispute that this offense is improving, it may not be where fans, players and coaches want it to be but it is lightyears from where it was prior to the bye. Much of the blame for that has fallen solidly on Canada and at least some of it seems valid.
Now the Steelers are facing a big decision about Canada’s fate. He has one year left on his contract, has he made enough improvements to stay in Pittsburgh? Or will they show him the door and move on?
Do you think Canada has improved enough to stay? What do you think of the improved playcalling? Comment below.
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