The Pittsburgh Steelers' offense has seemed to be one of, if not, the most predictable unit out there since offensive coordinator, Matt Canada took over at the beginning of the 2021 season. Quick passes, shotgun draws and an odd obsession with jet sweeps have all been prominent, but rather inconsistent. One can understand attempting to simplify an offense for rookie quarterback, Kenny Pickett, but what was the excuse when he had a future first ballot Hall of Famer in Ben Roethlisberger? Time will tell if Canada is retained for the final season of his contract, but regardless, opponents are recognizing plays before they even happen.
PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 18: Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during the game against the New England Patriots at Acrisure Stadium on September 18, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
In Week 14, the team sputtered offensively, losing 16-14 to their division rivals, the Baltimore Ravens. The defense had a huge part in the loss late in the game as the group was unable to stop Baltimore's rushing attack, but holding an opponent to just 16 points should lead to a win the majority of the time. It marked the third time this season the defense held a team to less than 17 points, but it still resulted in a loss for Pittsburgh.
The main flaw of the offense came about when Pickett entered the concussion protocol early in the first quarter. That left veteran signal-caller, Mitchell Trubisky in charge of leading the offense. The first drive for him went great as he led the unit down the field and it resulted in a touchdown. What happened after that is the main reason why Mason Rudolph may get a chance to play in Week 15 if Pickett can't go.
Trubisky threw three interceptions, all of which were caught by Ravens' defenders inside their own 20-yard line. The first may not have been Trubisky's fault as wide receiver, Steven Sims was in an area that he shouldn't have been. Roquan Smith was guarding him and Sims essentially helped in enter the passing lane which resulted in him picking off Pittsburgh's quarterback in what was a momentum killer.
Steelers wide receiver, Steven Sims (#82) possesses the ball during a 2022 regular season matchup versus the Baltimore Ravens. | Jared Wickerham/Pittsburgh Steelers
The second interception came at the hands of another linebacker, Patrick Queen. This, too, was over the middle of the field and when he spoke to reporters on Tuesday, Queen implied that he knew exactly where tight end, Pat Freiermuth was going to be:
"There were two wide receivers over here and '88' on the other side," Queen said in reference to Freiermuth. "I just knew there were like three things he runs from over there. I just already knew what he was about to do."
Tendencies of all teams are noticed on film by opponents, but it seems as if during the Canada era, defenders have a pretty strong idea of what might be coming. The fact that Freiermuth only runs about three different routes, according to Queen, from one area of the field is a huge concern. Players in the NFL are way too smart and it's impossible to get away with staying away from creativity in today's age of football.
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end, Pat Freiermuth (#88) participates in non-contact drills during 2022 training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. | Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO
The predictability that Canada's offense displays on a troubling consistent basis is going to continue to bite the Steelers in the butt until adjustments are made. Trubisky threw three interceptions and should have seen Queen over the middle on the second, but part of the blame has to go on the play and route design that is incredibly evident on film. It's even more concerning when a team you play twice a year picks up on it.
Do you blame Canada at all for any of Trubisky's interceptions last Sunday? Let us know in the comments below!
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