The Pittsburgh Steelers are going into the second half of the 2022 season, in an interesting predicament. They now sit with a record of 2-6, currently sitting in last place in the tough AFC North division.
Steven Sims against Tampa Bay Buccaneers / Photo Credit: Karl Roser/Steelers
Not much was to be expected of this Steelers offense, especially after losing its “core player” in Ben Roethlisberger and replacing the 18-year veteran with a first-round selection in Kenny Pickett. Those low expectations have become a reality, as this Matt Canada-built offense currently ranks dead last in total points scored (120 total) and 28th in the NFL with 299 total offensive yards per game.
With a bye week starring the Steelers right in the eye, there are many anticipated coaching changes on the offensive side of the football. In typical Steelers fashion, according to Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com, Head Coach Mike Tomlin announced during the bye week that there would be “no significant changes” to any part of either coaching staff.
Meaning, in all likelihood, the Steelers are going to roll with Canada’s scheme for the immediate future. We have the playmakers in place to create success on the field, the only question remains as to what Canada's idea of a successful offensive game plan looks like.
Mike Tomlin says that while he’s not ruling out a “significant change” in the bye, that he is NOT considering coaching or coordinator change.
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) November 2, 2022
Criticism has been heard regarding both Canada’s lack of play-calling and Pickett’s decision-making on the field. Many believe Canada's lack of success balancing out this offense between the run and the passing game, has put a small damper on the potential growth of the 20th overall pick, and rightfully so.
The Steelers currently reside 23rd in the NFL with 2.6 sacks allowed per game, 26th in rushing yards per game (94.9) and although Pickett has attempted over 35 passes in three of his last four contests, they rank 23rd in passing yards per game with 204.1.
Pittsburgh Steelers QB
It seems as if Canada is a fan of the short passing game, which normally works for an offense with as many playmakers as we have. Seemingly, the point of this offense is to get the playmakers the ball quickly and let them go to work. In hindsight, I'm not opposed to this type of offense, but you can't be predictable on every first, second and third down.
Truthfully, Canada’s playcalling has been just that. It’s as if he doesn't believe that utilizing the middle of the football field is an effective tactic for moving the ball down the field, and has become easy for defenses to game plan for.
Not throwing the ball downfield has created difficulties in getting our Pro Bowl running back Najee Harris and this rushing attack going. More defenses are stacking the box against us, preparing for the short yardage gains instead of the potential downfield attack created by our receivers, leaving Harris and backup Jaylen Warren with little to no room to create any sort of separation after the first tier of defenders.
Although Harris' lingering foot injury could be cause for blame, the second-year rusher is averaging just 3.3 yards per carry in 108 attempts and is on pace to rush for only 767 yards once the season is at its end (433 yards shy of his 1,200 in 2021).
Pittsburgh Steelers Kenny Pickett (8) talks to running back Najee Harris (22) in a loss against the Buffalo Bills / Photo Credit: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
I’m not saying the solution is simple, but SteelerNation is looking for answers. Although we did trade Chase Claypool away to the Chicago Bears at the trade deadline, this offense has an influx of playmakers that need to be put in better situations to succeed, and that is on the coaching staff.
There is no doubt in my mind that these players have the ability to turn this season around offensively, they have proved their worth in the past. If this second half of the season doesn't end well for this offensive group, changes should be made once this season is at its end.
Do you think this offense can thrive under Matt Canada's scheme?
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