Everyone feels that it's likely that the Pittsburgh Steelers offense improves in 2023. First of all, it's hard to be much worse than they were in 2022. Matt Canada's group was 26th in points and 23rd in total yards per game. The front office did a solid job of bringing in more talent this offseason. On paper, it's a group that should be better. There's no better test than to go against one of the best defenses in the NFL, which happens to be its own team.
JORDAN SCHOFIELD / STEELERNATION (x: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers offensive coordinator Matt Canada is getting another chance to prove himself in 2023, as he enters his third season in the position.
The offense has been up-and-down in Latrobe so far and with just a few days remaining at camp, things aren't looking necessarily great. According to Mark Kaboly of The Athletic, the offense has mightily struggled. More particularly, the receivers (and tight ends) can't seem to get open for quarterback Kenny Pickett. As a result, it's led to some poor results in practice.
"I don't want to say Kenny Pickett is looking bad. What I will say is NOBODY is getting open at all over the past 3 team periods," Kaboly tweeted at camp on Wednesday.
It's important to remain mindful that they're facing arguably the best pass rush in all of football. Kaboly's comment makes things a little more uneasy though, as it's not like the Steelers possess an elite cornerback unit. It's expected for guys like George Pickens and Allen Robinson to not be able to consistently get open. Each of them have made a living off contested catches.
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Steelers wideout George Pickens is known for his acrobatic, contested catches, but he will need to refine his route-running to take that next step forward.
In his 2022 rookie season, Pickens ranked just 62th amongst NFL wideouts in separation according to ESPN Analytics. Robinson actually fared well in these advanced statistics, but it didn't lead to results on the field. Even in his prime years, he was known as an impressive contested catch playmaker with the Chicago Bears. This sentiment from Kaboly is perhaps most concerning for quick, speedy guys like Diontae Johnson and Calvin Austin III.
Should Steelers fans be concerned about WR group?
Johnson has become one of the best route runners in the NFL over the past few years. Austin's speed was on full display in the team's preseason opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as he hauled in a 67-yard touchdown. For the most part, Austin has had an impressive summer, as he's given the defensive backs problems with his big-play speed. Still, it seems a bit early for this to be a legitimate concern.
When the first-team offense did take the field in that opening victory, they looked quite good. That included Johnson and the receivers, as he led the way with three catches for 32 yards. Luckily, it seemed like the offense did still have some positive moments as Wednesday went on. According to our own Brandon "B-Wall" Wallace, the offense won the "7 Shots" drill on the final rep.
JORDAN SCHOFIELD / STEELERNATION (x: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson has become one of the best route runners in the NFL, which led to a contract extension in 2022.
That was a touchdown strike from Pickett to Pickens, who knocked over cornerback Patrick Peterson in the process. These tough battles in practice should only help the offense in the long run. If they are struggling against the Steelers defense though, they won't want to see the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1. Regardless, not positive news out of camp in Latrobe.
Do you have any concern with the wide receiver group still? Will the offense take a step forward in 2023? What is the key for Canada and his unit to step up this upcoming season? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comment section below, yinz!
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