Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator, Matt Canada spoke to the press Thursday about the disastrous second half in Week 11 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Those 30 minutes were especially frustrating because they came after one of the best halves of the season. The Steelers looked like a different team after halftime. Other than having a last-minute desperation-style touchdown, they only got 3 points out of the half and the defense got no rest and thus struggled to stop the Bengals.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Kenny Pickett (#8) participates during a regular season game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Canada outlines the many miscues during the game, listing play after play:
“I could do it all the way, the whole game, it is what it is, we did not produce.”
He acknowledged that they did not do enough to win. Saying they didn’t produce seems a bit cavalier considering the Steelers failed miserably to capitalize on any plays.
He acknowledged that they left at least 8 points on the board. Canada discussed how in the first half, quarterback Kenny Pickett threw the ball to running back, Najee Harris, and the Bengals defense went to cover zero and shut down the play. It led to a field goal by kicker, Matthew Wright and left 4 points on the field.
Then, during the second half, Steelers edge rusher, TJ Watt had an insane interception off Joe Burrow and despite being gifted the ball back, the offense wasn’t able to do anything. They managed to squeak out 3 plays prior to stalling and having Wright kick another field goal. Canada noted that there were another 4 points being left behind and that those 8 points total would have made the difference.
Steelers Offense is Predictable and Boring
Canada also addressed the comments made by Cincinnati Bengals linebacker, Germaine Pratt, that the Steelers offense was so predictable they had no trouble stopping it. Canada wisely chose to stand by what Head Coach Mike Tomlin said at his press conference this week:
“Coach [Mike] Tomlin addressed it. My answer wouldn’t continue the narrative you’re hunting. There is a back story to that. I’ll leave it there.”
Tomlin indicated that this was merely a bit of a mind game by Cincy and he did not take it very seriously. Tomlin acknowledged some “repeat concepts” on Tuesday, by the offensive scheme. However, he dismissed the comments made by Pratt:
“That is what they say when they’re having success, and they don’t say it when they are not. I don’t worry much about that. I focus on things that are in our control.”
Canada and Tomlin can brush off Pratt ’s remarks, but many fans felt vindicated by them. Canada has come under fire for the lackluster play-calling this season. There has been concern that Canada does not trust his rookie QB. The question has come up several times about Pickett being allowed to call audibles with the answers creating more confusion than clarity.
Kenny Pickett speaks with offensive coordinator Matt Canada during training camp 2022. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
The players have not been quiet about their frustration. The team recognizes the difficult spot they are in and knows that they have to find some solutions. While there is enough blame to go around, fingers will continue to point at Canada until the play-calling becomes more dynamic.
How much do you blame Matt Canada for the offensive breakdown in the second half against the Bengals in Week 11? Click to comment below.
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