Steelers' Diontae Johnson Seems To Take Subtle But Aggressive Shot At Matt Canada

The Pittsburgh Steelers have, on paper, made some incredible transactions throughout the 2023 offseason. The front office addressed the offensive line, cornerback and inside linebacker positions. The wide receiver core will also have some new looks with Calvin Austin III seemingly healthy and veteran, Allen Robinson being added into the mix. Second-year quarterback, Kenny Pickett will head into his sophomore season with lofty expectations from fans and the media alike. Ultimately, the overall success may be related to the Offensive Coordinator.

Pittsburgh’s offense has been far from elite since Matt Canada took over the play-calling in the 2021 season. The unit ranks near the bottom of the league in several statistical categories and without immense improvement in 2023, Canada will surely be looking for a new place of employment in 2024. Going forward, all eyes will be on an offensive scheme that has lacked creativity throughout his tenure.  

It’s probably true that Canada will never be on par with the best offensive minds in the game. Putting him up against a genius like Andy Reid simply isn’t fair. He may have to have a dominant offensive season, however, if he wants to earn a contract extension with the Steelers. His time with the legendary franchise is absolutely on a timer as of this moment.

It’s been well-known that Pickett didn’t necessarily have the power to audible during his rookie season. It’s also a common understanding that the run-run-pass sequence from Canada has been far from successful. Something has to give in 2023 and it might be reasonable for Head Coach, Mike Tomlin and Canada to allow something that the best coach in the game has approved for his offensive players. 

The Steelers' number one wide receiver, Diontae Johnson has been heavily criticized for drops over the last few seasons, but is still recognized as the team’s most dangerous pass catcher heading into the 2023 campaign. He had 86 catches and 882 yards receiving in 2022, but was extremely concerning in the red zone, having hauled in zero touchdowns.

On Sunday, Dan Casey tweeted about how Reid allows Kansas City Chiefs’ players to create plays and present them to him as a possible addition to the playbook. Johnson responded accordingly and it can easily be interpreted as him wanting something like that within the Steelers’ system. 

The frustration that fans have for Canada’s predictable and far from explosive offense could also be relevant in the locker room. It will never be spoken about publicly, but it’s not unfair to wonder if players are seriously questioning the Offensive Coordinator’s strategies entering 2023 training camp. The team averaged an ugly 18.1 points per game during the 2022 season.

Steelers Will Go Nowhere In 2023 Without A Much Improved Offensive Scheme

Canada probably should have been fired after the 2022 campaign, but the team's decision to retain him clearly shows that there is serious belief he can help mold Pickett into a star NFL quarterback. The play-calling will be pivotal if the unit wants to make a huge leap in 2023. The offenses throughout the AFC are entirely too talented to compete with if the Canada decides to roll with the same old song and dance moving forward. Maybe Johnson's tweet means nothing, or maybe it means the offensive group wants a little more say in what happens on game days.

Do you think Johnson is taking a dig at Canada with his tweet? Let us know in the comments below!

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